Support and Wellness Services

Nobody should endure cancer alone. That’s why our Cancer LifeNet team is here to support you and your family every step of the way.

Getting through your cancer treatment is challenging for your physical, mental and emotional health. That’s why UM Upper Chesapeake has a robust support system to help you and your family navigate your cancer journey with compassionate care.

Cancer LifeNet

Cancer LifeNet offers free services, support groups and programs in addition to the treatment services you get at Kaufman Cancer Center.

Cancer LifeNet connects you with nurse navigators, social workers and other specialists to help you cope with the physical, financial, psychological and emotional aspects of cancer.

Our support services are available to anyone in Harford and Cecil counties with cancer – no matter where they seek treatment, or whether newly diagnosed, in treatment, remission or having a recurrence.

Read More: Support Groups | Wellness Services | Classes and Resources

Our Support Team

Specially trained and with years of experience, this incredible group of professionals is a lifeline to many, caring not only for patients, but for their families as well.

Oncology nurse navigators can answer many of your questions about the cancer treatment process. They will provide:

Ongoing information and education to you and your family about your illness and treatments
Compassionate care coordination to ensure good communication with you and your various providers
Survivorship care and transition plans at the end of active treatment

Patient financial advocates help you and your family manage the financial burdens that can come with a cancer diagnosis, including:

Understanding out-of-pocket medical expenses and insurance coverage and benefits
Applying to private assistance programs to manage the out-of-pocket costs

Oncology social workers guide you and your family through the complex emotions associated with cancer. In addition to leading support groups, they will help with:

Counseling you and your loved ones to cope with the psychological impact of cancer
Finding community resources for practical and essential needs such as transportation, food and shelter
Identifying and communicating your goals with health care providers
Assisting with end-of-life care planning, home health care and transition to hospice if needed

Registered dietitians can work with you during treatment to help with weight changes, trouble swallowing, digestion issues and loss of appetite or taste. They'll provide:

Personally tailored nutrition advice and guidance for your unique nutritional needs during and after treatment
Meal planning, nutritional supplements and strategies to ensure you are able to eat, enjoy your food and maintain a healthy weight

For more information about our services, call 866-393-4355.

Cancer Support Groups and Classes

We offer support groups for different types of cancer that help patients and families share their feelings and connect with others. We also hold a variety of health and wellness classes to keep you healthy, active and comfortable.

For real time information about all support groups, classes and programs offered through UM Upper Chesapeake Health – both onsite and online – please visit our community calendar of events.

Patsy Astarita: Cancer LifeNet Vodcast

Watch: Patsy Astarita, LCSW-C, OSW-C, APHSW-C (Director, Oncology Integrated Health at UM Upper Chesapeake Health) discusses Cancer LifeNet and how important it is to have support during the cancer journey.

Support Groups

Blood Cancer

Our blood cancer support group provides patients and their family members a place to share information, education and feelings in a compassionate and caring setting. It is provided in collaboration with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and is open to all adult patients affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome. Check meeting times and sign up to attend.

Breast Cancer

Our breast cancer support group fosters compassionate discussion about how having breast cancer can affect our daily lives. We share resources and coping strategies, discuss medical experiences and offer support and understanding. Led by professional social workers, we emphasize the fact that you are never alone. Check times to attend a future breast cancer support group.

Head and Neck Cancer

This educational and informative support group is a time for sharing and learning with the goal of providing positive coping strategies, reducing stress and maximizing your quality of life. The group is open to individuals who are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment or recovering from treatment and their families. Health care professionals are also in attendance. Learn more about attending and sign up here.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer can have a profound impact on a couple's relationship. Our prostate cancer support group is open to both men and their partners. We welcome all who have been touched by prostate cancer, and especially embrace newly diagnosed men or couples by offering a safe place to share experiences and hear how others have managed the disease and its treatments. Check meeting times and sign up to attend.

Integrated Wellness Services

CLIMB

Created by The Children's Treehouse Foundation, Children's Lives Include Moments of Bravery (CLIMB) is a free support program designed to help children cope when a family member has cancer. By creating a safe setting where kids can express their fears, concerns and questions, CLIMB helps children take comfort in knowing that they are never alone. It is designed to be fun and interactive for kids and reassuring for parents.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese healing art that can promote healing, reduce stress and encourage relaxation. Often used in conjunction with standard medical care, it is meant to rebalance an individual by utilizing the life energy that comes from placing hands on or above his or her body. Reiki has been known to lower heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rates and can help ease pain, anxiety, depression and improve overall well-being. It supports the release of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual blockages, improving an individual's attitude and outlook. Individual reiki sessions are available upon request.

Virtual Gentle Yoga

Through therapeutic yoga, participants will use a combination of gentle movements, breathing practices and guided relaxation to support restorative posture and assist with fatigue, pain and stress. This is an online class via Zoom. See times and sign up.

Virtual Healing Through Support

Social support is essential to our mental and psychological well-being. It helps enhance our resilience to stress, anxiety and other negative emotions that, when left unchecked, can lead to a decline in our overall health. This compassionate group offers unconditional support, fellowship and understanding to all individuals who are coping with cancer, as well as their caregivers. Check times and sign up.

Virtual Guided Meditation

Meditation and mindfulness have a host of well documented health benefits. Known for its calming aspects, meditating can help you increase self-awareness, lower levels of stress and anxiety and reduce negative emotions, while relaxing your body and mind. 30-minute online guided meditation sessions are offered weekly via Zoom. Check times and sign up.

Classes and Resources

Be-You-Tea-Time

This interactive get together is for women during cancer treatment to share beauty tips, learn about wig care, scarf tying, skin care tips and more. Find times and sign up for our next meeting.

Thriving and Surviving Workshop

This evidence-based program, developed by Stanford Medicine, is a weekly workshop that is offered to those who have just completed or are close to completing treatment, and their caregiver. Over the course of six weeks, the classes explore topics such as managing fatigue, relaxation, understanding emotions, maintaining physical activity, managing pain, living with uncertainty, decision-making, body image changes, healthy eating, communicating with others, sleep and working with your health care team. It's a great way to connect with fellow survivors.

Quit Smoking

Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It isn't easy, but you can do it! We're here to help with free classes offered throughout the year. These classes will teach you about the dangers of smoking, share tips on how to quit and cope with nicotine withdrawal symptoms, provide information on nicotine replacement products and more. Visit our smoking cessation page for more details.

For more information on any of our support groups or classes, call 866-393-4355 or visit our community calendar of events.

Cancer LifeNet services are fully funded by philanthropy and generous donations from our community. To make a gift in support of Cancer LifeNet, please visit umuch.org/giving.