Mary Rose Muhr Slemmer Survivor PLACE
The transition from active cancer treatment is a positive step that focuses on wellness, quality of life and health promotion. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is committed to helping survivors live life after cancer to the fullest through Survivor PLACE (programs for living after the cancer experience). Unless otherwise noted, please call 610-402-CARE to schedule an appointment or for more information.
Survivor PLACE includes the following programs:
Cancer Risk and Genetic Assessment
If it is identified that you may be at increased risk for a hereditary cancer syndrome, our certified genetic counselors can provide a personal, confidential consultation to help you learn more about your risk for cancer.
Counseling
Many people find that counseling can help them manage the distress felt as a cancer survivor. Our cancer support team is here for you as you navigate survivorship.
Financial Coordination
You can arrange for a personal and confidential meeting with a financial coordinator to help minimize the confusion and stress that can be caused by financial concerns, including questions about insurance, doctor and hospital bills, and medication costs.
Grief Support Services
Grief support from the death of loved ones is available through LVHN’s Grief Support Services. Individual, family and couples’ counseling support is available. We also offer a children’s bereavement program, “Stepping Stones,” and an eight-week Bereavement Care Workshop. Call 610-969-0330 to register for any of these services.
Healthy You Programs
Many health-related programs and services are available to you, including Tobacco Treatment, fitness classes, massage therapy, yoga and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (Fee-based program).
Men Facing Cancer
This support group is open to men with prostate and urological cancers. The group also welcomes spouses and significant others and is facilitated by a licensed social worker.
Nutrition Services
A registered dietitian can provide counseling and education regarding healthy eating and weight management.
Physical Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation specialists can help you decrease fatigue and pain, increase strength and endurance, improve range of motion, assess and treat lymphedema, and assist with swallowing disorders.
The Legacy Project
This is a grant-funded program for all cancer survivors – both men and women. It is a seven-week group led by licensed clinical facilitators who guide participants in the creation of an ethical will, documentation of medical and cultural history, a heritage book and a “legacy of love.”
Transitional Loss and Life Change
Survivors often experience losses through their cancer journey. It may be physical losses due to treatments, or it may be loss of a personal relationship. Our licensed clinical support staff can provide counseling to help with these issues.
Support of Survivors (SOS)
Support of Survivors (SOS) is a network of breast cancer survivors providing support and encouragement to other women facing breast cancer. Each volunteer has lived the experience of breast cancer and is qualified to provide support tailored to the individual patient. This service enables women to address the many issues that emerge through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. If you are interested in receiving support, please call Cancer Support Services at 610-402-9546 or email us at oncologysupportgroups@lvhn.org.
Community Resources
American Cancer Society (ACS)
The ACS offers information and resources for cancer, including recipes for healthy eating and evidence-based information on herbals. 1-800-ACS-2345 cancer.org
Cancer Care Connection
This free telephone outreach program helps to address nonmedical concerns and questions.
302-266-9687
Greater Lehigh Valley Cancer Support Community
This local not-for-profit group offers cancer support, community support and networking groups, fitness activities, wellness programs, stress management, classes and lectures for free to people with cancer and their families. 610-861-7555 cancersupportglv.org
Lehigh County Senior Citizens, Inc.
This group offers assistance programs, computer classes, creative arts, health and fitness, hobbies and games. 610-437-3700 lehighseniors.org
Online Resources
American Institute for Cancer Research
This site provides evidence-based information on the role of diet and exercise in cancer prevention and survivorship, including recipes for healthy eating. ACIR.org
Cancer.net
This oncologist-approved cancer information is provided by the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Cancer.net
Cure Today
This quarterly magazine offers an annual resource guide that combines the science and humanity of cancer. Information is provided in easy-to-understand language. Curetoday.com
Lance Armstrong Foundation
This group offers education, survivor stories and support, along with access to a free guidebook and health journal (in Spanish and English), and many resources. Livestrong.org
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Memorial Sloan Kettering provides evidence-based information about herbs, botanicals and supplements. MSKCC.org/mskcc/html/11570.cfm
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
This group evaluates and provides information about complementary and alternative medicine to health providers and the public. It also provides information about the use of herbs, vitamins and minerals. nccam.nih.gov
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
This is the oldest survivor-led cancer advocacy organization in the country, advocating for quality cancer care for all Americans. Canceradvocacy.org
Northampton County Senior Centers
This group offers activities, fitness, art and meals: Northampton Senior Center 610-262-4977; Easton Area Senior Center 610-252-5858; Old York Road Senior Center (Bethlehem) 610-867-4233.
Office of Cancer Survivorship
This office provides cancer survivor information for patients and health providers. dccps.nci.nih.gov/ocs/index.html
The National Lymphedema Network
This network provides education and guidance to lymphedema patients, professionals and general public. Lymphnet.org
Wellness-U
This site provides nutrition and healthy eating information. Includes an “ask the expert” section. wellness-and-you.com
Yale Survivorship
This website offers surviving cancer tips, survivorship stories and survivorship library resources. Yalecancer.org