Classes/Workshops

We help patients address their needs and recommend ways to minimize
the negative aspects of the illness through classes that range from chemotherapy orientation to individual needs assessment and access to resources.

GETTING STARTED Understanding cancer and your chemotherapy	You are beginning a journey through chemotherapy as a treatment for cancer. The therapy will be challenging to the systems of your body and will create physical, as well as emotional stress. The key to maximizing your therapy while minimizing your discomfort is for you to be informed and prepared. This seminar is offered free of charge. GETTING STARTED . . . Understanding cancer and your chemotherapy, a 1½-hour session offered by Cancer Care Resources, is designed to give you a more comprehensive understanding of cancer and chemotherapy treatment. This class offers cancer patients the following: • A better grasp of what to expect during chemotherapy. • Effective means of managing side effects of therapy. • Understanding and exercising your Patient’s Rights. • Ways to communicate effectively with your medical team. • A forum to discuss issues or voice concerns. • A sense of regaining control of your life. • Encouragement and optimism about your therapy. Nutrition and physical activity recommendations are offered and individual appointments for personal assessments are available. Please begin this critical phase of your treatment with the knowledge and experience of prior patients, caregivers and health care professionals. Offered at numerous locations each week.  Mondays - Northwest Cancer Specialists Vancouver Office from 1:30 to 3:30pm  Tuesdays - St. Vincents Hospital, Ste 161, from 9:30 to 11:30am. Wednesdays - Pacific Oncology in Beaverton on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month from 1:30 to 3:30pm. Thursdays - Northwest Cancer Specialists Meridian Park Office from 9:00-11:00am and at the Rose Quarter Office from 1:00-3:00pm.
FAMILY CAREGIVER CLASS	Family caregiver training is provided four times a year. The class is held on a Saturday and lasts approximately 5 hours. The instructors are health professionals, a nurse, social worker, dietician and a physical therapist. The purpose of the class is to provide information and support to caregivers. The topics covered are: Comfort measures (bowel, bladder and pain management), Nutritional support, Mobility (bed mobility, physical transfers), Wound and Skin care, Social and Emotional aspects of being a caregiver, Resources in the community or through agencies that can assist the caregiver.
Legal and Financial Seminar	The Legal and Seminar is provided twice a year, usually in the Spring and the Fall. The seminar is held on a Saturday and lasts approximately 5 hours. The presenters are community professionals who donate their time to present information to cancer patients and their family members about the legal and financial implications of cancer. Topics covered include maximizing your insurance benefits and resources if you are uninsured, Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income, Your Rights in the Workplace as a Cancer Survivor, and Financial Planning for Cancer Survivors. Lunch is provided to attendees. There is no charge for this program.
Strategies For Living With Cancer and other Chronic Diseases	Many of us are faced with the challenge of living with a chronic condition such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease or arthritis. These illnesses can produce physical and emotional symptoms that may seem overwhelming, such as fatigue, frustration, pain, and stress. In Strategies For Living with Chronic Diseases, you can learn in a supportive and compassionate environment how to affect positive, productive change in your life while dealing with the illness. The Chronic Disease Self Management Program is the core of the seminar. A few of the topics include: disease related problem solving, managing emotions, benefits of exercise, communication skills, advanced directives, and more. There is no charge for the program. Sponsored by Cancer Care Resources and the Oregon Dept. of Human Services, Health Promotion and Chronic Illness Prevention. Call 503-528-5236 to reserve your spot!
'InPower' Exercise Program ACT WELL, BE WELL, LIVE WELL	InPower is an exercise program that allows people dealing with cancer to take control, get active, decrease fatigue and improve their quality of life during and after cancer treatments. This 12 week program includes: an initial physical fitness assessment with an oncology nurse and personal trainer, provides an individualized fitness regimen incorporating strength, flexibility, balance and cardiovascular training, instruction on the equipment with an emphasis on safety and correct form. The mission of the class is to empower and inspire people living with cancer to positively impact their health in a supportive and safe environment.
Let's Talk!	Let’s Talk is a program created to provide cancer patients with someone to talk to who has “been there and done that”.  Someone to talk to that really understands how you feel. Our volunteers have personal experience with:  -Balancing emotions  -Making day to day decisions  -Helping you identify needed resources  -Maintaining relationships during this stressful time  -Learning how to ask for help from family and friends  -Coping with physical changes  -Talking to children and other family members  -Sorting out the challenges of working while undergoing treatment We encourage you to call and let us match you with someone who has had  a similar experience and who can offer ongoing support. Our volunteers are carefully trained to provide the appropriate support while you are going through cancer treatment. If you would like to consider being a “Let’s Talk” volunteer, please call us.  We would enjoy talking to you about your interest and desire to help others through their cancer treatment journey.