Revised: March 2, 2010
"Everyone at the Fraser Valley Centre is there to help people with cancer. All you have to do is make sure they know what help you need." - a former patient.
We see ourselves as your partners in finding the best treatment for your particular cancer. We want to ensure that you and your family and friends feel supported throughout your cancer journey. Additionally, we offer useful information and techniques for managing the challenges, both practical and emotional, that you and your family may face. Please feel free to ask questions at any time - our experienced and knowledgeable team will be happy to answer them.
An excellent resource is our cancer information centre. Located on Level 1 of the centre, it has pamphlets, books, videos and tapes.
Patient and Family Counselling Services offer these counselling, education and support programs for patients, family and friends:
The http:// schedule is attached; please contact Patient and Family Counselling at 604.930.4000 for further information.
Explore our new website, Cancer in my Family (www.cancerinmyfamily.ca), aimed at children aged 8 to 12. It's a fun interactive environment where children can feel safe, play games, create friendly characters – and at the same time explore how they’re feeling, and learn about cancer.
Additionally, these programs are available for patients and their supporters:
Brain Tumour Support Group
This support group gives members a chance to share experiences and to obtain factual information from health care professionals. Current and former brain tumour patients, their families and friends are welcome. If interested in attending a brain tumour support group, please contact Maureen Parkinson 604.930.4055 extension 4422.
Counselling Services
Professionally trained counsellors and social workers who specialize in cancer care provide individual, couple and family counselling services and support programs. These are available to patients, families, caregivers and friends, before, during and after treatment. This can include discussion and planning regarding palliative and end-of-life concerns.
Children's Club
This is a support group program with art activities to help school-aged children 5-12 years old who have a parent or family member living with cancer. A concurrent parent's group is also offered. The 'Club' is offered approximately 3 times a year - alternating between the Fraser Valley Cancer Centre and the Abbotsford Cancer Centre. Registration required one week before each session, please call 604.930.4000.
Next Date: Saturday, May 1, 2010
Held At: Fraser Valley Cancer Centre
13750 - 96 Avenue
Surrey, B.C.
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Mindfulness Meditation Program
This 8 week program offered throughout the year is an introduction to mindfulness meditation and basic yoga. Registration required, please call Fred Crawford at 604.930.4055 extension 4464.
Next Series: Late Spring/Early Summer
To be placed on the waitlist for the above series, please call Patient & Family Counselling (PFC) at 604-930-4000.
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Rehabilitation Counselling
Includes vocational assessment, resource referral, information, advocacy assistance and counselling related to rehabilitation issues for patients and family members. Please call 604.930.4000 to book an appointment.
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Skills and support group for younger women living with cancer
This group is for younger women with cancer who are interested in learning a variety of skills in a facilitated, small group environment. Sessions cover instruction, discussion and practice in good coping, goal setting, relaxation, mindfulness, communications and sexuality. Registration required, please call 604.930.4000.
Stress Reduction Series
The Stress Reducation Series is one of the programs offered by Patient and Family Counselling Services at the Fraser Valley Cancer Centre to help ease the distress that is a normal part of living with cancer. The focus of this education series is to help you learn some skills to adjust and cope with the stress related to the impact of the cancer diagnosis and treatment in your life.
Registration required, please call 604.930.4000.
2010 Schedule Pending
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Therapeutic Touch Clinic
Therapeutic Touch is a technique offered by trained practitioners to promote relaxation and comfort. Patients and/or their support persons are welcome to book appointments. Appointments are 30-45 minutes, offered on Tuesday afternoons. Registration required, please call 604.930.4000.
Chemoteach session
Group education sessions held every Wednesday for Chemotherapy patients. Friends and family members welcome. You will be notified of an appointment time for this session.
Look Good... Feel Better Program
Enjoy a pleasant two hours and learn makeup, skin care and hair alternative techniques that can help you deal with the appearance-related changes that may occur. Cosmetic industry experts volunteer their time to pass on some ideas to make you look and feel better. Participants receive a free tool kit. Every month on the second Monday from 9:30am to 11:30am and on the third Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00pm. Registration required, please call 604.930.4000
Radiation Therapy Teaching
Teaching provided to patients on an individual basis at every stage of radiation treatment planning.