News You Can Use A monthly newsletter from the Cancer Learning Center September 2008 – Issue 38 Staying Connected


Two big decisions cancer patients have to make regarding friends and family are who to tell and what to tell them. Some patients want only the closest friends and family members to know about the cancer, while others prefer that extended family and co-workers be aware. Sharing personal information with others about medical status is always the patients’ decision. They have the right to be as brief or detailed as necessary.


The emotional support that comes with staying connected to family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers is an important part of cancer treatment. Sometimes it seems difficult to find ways to express fears and feelings associated with cancer, but honest, sincere communication works wonders in maintaining close relationships.


If you know someone who has cancer, remember that it can be overwhelming to the patient and the family. While they welcome phone calls and e-mails to wish them well and inquire about their status, it can be difficult for the family to respond to each one with a thank you or an update on the patient’s condition.


Huntsman Cancer Institute recently partnered with CarePages, a website that enables patients and their families to create personalized, private webpages. Patients can post updates on treatments, progress toward recovery, pictures with captions, and their expressions of appreciation to health care workers and well-wishers. Family, friends, neighbors,


The Cancer Learning Center (CLC) is a free resource library on the first floor of


Huntsman Cancer Institute


CarePages bring friends and family close…when you need them most.


and co-workers can post messages, which the patient and family can easily access. CarePages also provides resources to connect with other patients and access information on cancer-related issues. The site is easy to navigate and accessible from any computer with Internet access. Learn more about CarePages—visit huntsmancancer.org or call theWellness Center at 801-587-4585.


CLC “Stay Connected” Resources


The Etiquette of Illness by Susan P. Halpern. Healing Conversations by Nance Guilmartin. I’m With You Now by M. Catherine Ray.


Linda B. and Robert B. Wiggins Wellness Center


Fitness activities


for current and former patients and their families


September 6: Biking September 20: Fly Fishing


For more information, call the Wellness Center at 801-587-4585


801-581-6365 • 1-888-424-2100 huntsmancancer.org/clc


NEW FROM THE CLC Books


The Great American Eat-Right Cookbook by Jeanne Besser and Colleen Doyle


Healing Pain by Ann Berger The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch


CDs


A Meditation to Help You with Radiation Therapy by Belleruth Naparstek


Power Nap by Human Potential LLC


DVDs


Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams: The Lecture That Inspired the Book The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch


The Truth About Cancer by Linda Garmon


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