CaPSS Newsletter - Morton Plant Mease

Cancer Patient Support Services
Newsletter
Volume 19, Number 3
September-December 2014
Morton Plant Mease Prostate Program:
Lifesaver for the Uninsured
Inside this issue:
According to the National Cancer
Institute, an estimated 233,000 men will
be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014.
About 17,000 of them, according to the
American Cancer Society, are in Florida.
With the exception of skin cancer, prostate
cancer is the most common cancer in
American men.
– Community Events
– Support Group and Class Schedules
– Cancer Resources
– Caregiver Corner
– Mind/Body Connection Programs
Some of those men – how many is
anyone’s guess – will not be able to seek
treatment due to lack of insurance. That
almost happened to Mike Felice, who was
diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2012.
Mike’s prostate cancer was discovered early,
when he was being treated for something
else – kidney stones. A CT scan detected
possible prostate cancer, and a subsequent
PSA test and biopsy confirmed it. “I was in
shock,” Mike said. “I thought, ‘it’s cancer,
that’s it, my life is over.’” Fortunately for
Mike, that didn’t happen.
The urologist with Urology Specialists
of West Florida, to whom Mike was
referred, told him he had several treatment
options: (1) surgery, (2) radiation, (3)
hormone therapy or (4) active surveillance,
commonly referred to as “watchful
waiting.”
There was just one problem – Mike had
no insurance. He lost his insurance when
the company he worked for was sold and
he was laid off. “However,” Mike said, “the
urologist told me, ‘I think there’s a program
that can help you.’”
That program is the Morton Plant Mease
Prostate Program (MPMPP), which,
fortunately for Mike, began in 2011.
Sensitive to the health care needs of the
community, the program was created
through the joint efforts of Morton Plant
Mease Foundation, Urology Specialists
of West Florida and CaPSS to assist lowincome prostate cancer patients in our
community who need treatment but lack
Editor
Diane Kornick, MA, LMHC
Associate Editors
Ingrid Asmar, MSW, RCSWI
Ken Bliznick, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Mike Felice
insurance. The program came about as
the result of a grant written by Gloria San
Miguel, Manager, Cancer Services, who
also developed the program itself. “Quite
often, men who wouldn’t think of skipping
preventive maintenance on their cars don’t
pay as much attention to maintaining their
prostate health,” Gloria said.
Program participants must be Morton
Plant Mease (MPM) patients and must
qualify for MPM’s financial assistance
program. All funds raised through the
Miles for Men Prostate Cancer Awareness
Race also benefit the program. (See page 3
for race details.)
MPMPP includes the services of a program
navigator to help guide patients through
the entire treatment and follow-up process.
Serving as navigators are CaPSS counselors
Ken Bliznick and John Llauget and social
services specialist Ingrid Asmar, who
assists Spanish-speaking patients.
BayCareCancer.org
Continued on page 2
Agnes Jastrzebski, RN, CBHN
John Llauget, MA, EdS, LMHC
Matt Novak, MHA
Director of Operations, Morton Plant Hospital
Debra Wolf, BSW
Save the Dates!
■ Miles for Men – September 6
■ Prostate Cancer Talk – September 17
■ Race for the Cure – October 11
■ Making Strides – October 18
■ CaPSS Holiday Celebration –
December 5
See page 3 for details
Morton Plant Mease Prostate Program: Lifesaver for the Uninsured (continued from front page)
MPMPP navigators screen patients for
insurance/income eligibility and schedule
and coordinate all services provided through
the program, including follow-up visits with
the physicians. Counseling, education and
support groups are also provided.
Ken Bliznick served as Mike’s navigator. “He
was wonderful,” Mike said. “He explained
how the program works, visited me in the
hospital after my surgery, and even delivered
my prescriptions to me. With no insurance, I
thought it would be like an assembly line. I’ve
never had anyone treat me with such respect
and dignity and concern.”
Mike had radiation – 44 treatments, five days
a week. He used the services of a courtesy
van to get to and from radiation treatments.
“Those guys in the van became my support
group,” he said. “They made me feel at ease.”
Mike completed his radiation treatment in
the fall of 2013. His PSA number is now “way
down,” he said. “By the time I go back to the
doctor again this October, everything should
be back to normal.”
Mike is not shy about expressing his gratitude
for MPMPP. “No one is more grateful for this
program than I am,” he said. “If it hadn’t been
for the program, I don’t know where I’d be. I
might not even be here.”
Mike continued, “They took care of
everything. When I first received my
diagnosis, I felt like I was carrying the whole
world on my shoulders. I felt like I couldn’t do
it. This program relieved my burden. I am so
thankful.”
For more information on the Morton Plant
Mease Prostate Program, contact the CaPSS
office at (727) 462-2125.
Pitch for Pink
Approximately 5,000 people enjoyed a night at
the ballpark, helping the Clearwater Threshers
and Morton Plant Mease strike out breast
cancer on Friday, July 11, at the 9th annual
Pitch for Pink event.
1
2
3
4
Sporting their Pitch for Pink jerseys, which
were auctioned off as part of the fund-raising
event, the Clearwater Threshers faced the Palm
Beach Cardinals and helped the event raise
more than $20,000 for MPM breast health
programs and services.
The event featured a pregame breast cancer
survivor lap around the field, a silent auction
and postgame concert.
1
Dr. Peter Blumencranz greets breast cancer survivors
during the pregame lap.
2
From left, Dr. Michael Gauwitz, Dr. Ben Yan and Dr.
Kathleen Allen celebrate with breast cancer surivors.
3
Cancer survivor Nancy Camerano throws out the first
pitch to start the game.
4
Heather Wainscott, RN, Mease Outpatient Imaging
Breast Center, gets friendly with Threshers’ mascot Phinley.
Heather sang the national anthem for Pitch for Pink as
well as a very moving tribute during the pregame lap.
Cancer Survivor Celebration
Cancer survivors and guests were treated to a very informative panel discussion on topics of
interest followed by a relaxing, fun, interactive expressive arts session at the CaPSS Cancer
Survivor Celebration on June 2. Panelists included MPM staff members Jeanmarie Scordino, who
spoke on exercise and wellness; Jennifer Cook, who talked about rehab after cancer treatment;
Mark Stewart, who presented on lymphedema; and University of South Florida assistant professor
Cindy Tofthagen, who discussed neuropathy. Diane McMillen, from Creative Solutions Florida,
facilitated the art session. The event was cosponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
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Community Cancer Awareness Events
Miles for Men Prostate Cancer
Awareness Race
Making Strides Against
Breast Cancer
Saturday, September 6 | 6:30pm
Morton Plant Hospital
400 Corbett St., Clearwater
(park at 455 Pinellas)
Saturday, October 18
Vinoy Park
701 Bayshore Drive N.E., St. Petersburg
You’re invited
to participate
in Morton
Plant Mease’s
5th annual
prostate
cancer
awareness
race, presented
by Urology Specialists of West Florida. The
race, which includes a 5K and 10K run plus
a Kids Dash, benefits Morton Plant Mease
community screenings and education services
and assists prostate cancer patients who lack
resources for their treatment. Register online
at Miles4Men.com.
Prostate Cancer Presentation
Wednesday, September 17
12-1pm
Aging Well Center at the Long Center
1501 N. Belcher, Clearwater
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness
Month. Join urologist M. Scott Klavans, MD, as
he discusses the latest advances in the treatment
of prostate cancer. To register, call (727) 9539038.
Komen Race for the Cure®
Saturday, October 11
Carillon Park
300 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg
New location but
the same great
event promoting
awareness and
raising funds for
breast cancer. Join
the BayCare team
and help make a
difference in the lives of women facing breast
cancer in Tampa Bay. Race proceeds go to
research, education, screenings and treatment
programs. For more information or to join
the BayCare Breast Centers team, please visit
KomenSuncoast.org or contact Dena Brannen
at (727) 519-1256.
The American
Cancer Society’s
Making Strides
event is a
celebration of
survivorship, an occasion to express hope
and a way to educate people about ways to
reduce their cancer risk. For more information,
visit the American Cancer Society website at
Cancer.org.
Special Features
and Education
CaPSS Oncology Resource Libraries
Two Evelyn R. Simmers Oncology Resource
Libraries are available for those interested in
cancer information:
n Axelrod Pavilion at Morton Plant
Hospital, 1st floor
n Mease Countryside Hospital, Shaffer
Tower, 4th floor
Cancer-related books and educational
materials are available to patients, families
and the community at no charge. Topics
include diagnosis/treatment of specific types
of cancer, coping with emotional issues,
spirituality, caregiver support and information
about other cancer resources. Internet access
is also provided at both locations with links to
websites for cancer information.
If you would like to know more about our
libraries, please call (727) 462-2125 for
Axelrod Pavilion or (727) 725-6016 for
Mease Countryside.
Camp Living Springs
October 17–19
Camp Living Springs is a free, fun-filled,
relaxing and supportive weekend for cancer
patients/survivors age 18 and older. The
camp is funded by a grant from Morton
Plant Mease Foundation and staffed by MPM
volunteers, professional staff and YMCA of
the Suncoast partners.
For more information, please call Morton
Plant Hospital Volunteer Resources at
(727) 461-8010 or the CaPSS office at
(727) 462-2125.
CaPSS Holiday Celebration
Join us for our annual CaPSS Holiday
Celebration on Friday, December 5, at CheekPowell Heart and Vascular Pavilion. The
open-house format event honors all those
touched by cancer. We invite cancer patients/
survivors and a guest to enjoy the festivities,
which include holiday music and delicious
refreshments. Invitations will be available at
the CaPSS offices in October.
Community Cancer Education
Our Community Cancer Education
lectures feature cancer-related information
provided by physicians and other health care
professionals. All cancer patients, family
members and friends in our community
are welcome to attend. Contact Debra Wolf at
(727) 462-2145 for the lecture schedule and
further information.
Look Good ... Feel Better
Look Good ... Feel Better is a partnership of
the American Cancer Society, the National
Cosmetology Association and the Personal
Care Products Council Foundation. It is a
free program that teaches beauty techniques
to women in active cancer treatment to help
them with the treatment’s appearancerelated side effects. Reservations required:
(727) 953-9038
Morton Plant Hospital
Monday, September 8, 10am-12pm
Monday, November 10, 10am-12pm
Axelrod Pavilion, Oncology Services
Conference Room, 2nd floor
Mease Countryside Hospital
Monday, October 13, 6-8pm
Monday, December 8, 10am-Noon
Meeting Rooms 1-3
Morton Plant North Bay Hospital
Wednesday, October 1, 3:30-5pm
Wednesday, December 10, 3:30-5pm
Bekesh Education and Conference Center
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CaPSS Support Groups
At Morton Plant Hospital
Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis: Toolkit for Patients,
Families and Caregivers
The first year after receiving a cancer diagnosis can be stressful … often
a shocking and difficult challenge for everyone. This group provides
a valuable toolkit of information to patients, family members and
caregivers and includes supportive group discussion. Facilitator: Ken
Bliznick, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, (727) 462-2149
3rd Wednesday | 3–4:30pm
September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17
Axelrod Pavilion, Oncology Services Conference Room, 2nd floor
Women’s Cancer Support Group
Experience the power of shared support. This group gives you the
opportunity to share your cancer experiences while learning and
gaining strength and comfort from the experiences of others. This
group is open to women of all ages with any type of cancer.
1st and 3rd Monday | 6-8pm
September 15*, October 6 and 20, November 3 and 17, December 1 and 15
*No meeting on the 1st Monday of September
Axelrod Pavilion, Bernard F. Powell Conference Room, 2nd floor
LUNA de Pinellas
(Latinos Unidos por un Nuevo Amanecer/Latinos United
for a New Awakening)
Our LUNA group is open to men and women with any type of cancer.
Family members/caregivers are also welcome. The group is run in
Spanish by a bilingual facilitator. For additional information in English
or Spanish, please call the number below.
Un grupo para mujeres y varones con cualquier tipo de Cancer.
Familiares y amigos son bienvenidos. La moderadora del grupo es
bilingue y el grupo es en Español. Las reuniones son el segundo martes
de cada mes de 6-8pm. Para más información, favor llamar al siguiente
número. Facilitator: Ingrid Asmar, MSW, RCSWI, (727) 462-7153
2nd Tuesday | 6-8pm
September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9
Axelrod Pavilion, Bernard F. Powell Conference Room, 2nd floor
At Mease Countryside Hospital
Women’s Cancer Support Group
Connect and share with other women in similar circumstances. Learn
how others are coping and facing similar challenges. You’ll have the
opportunity to tell your story and listen to the stories of other women.
You’ll gain strength and comfort from the support of other women.
The group is for women of all ages with any type of cancer.
2nd and 4th Tuesday | 6-8pm
September 9 and 23, October 14 and 28, November 11*, December 9*
*No meetings on the 4th Tuesday of November and December
Shaffer Tower, 4th floor
Evelyn R. Simmers Oncology Resource Library
Prostate Cancer Discussion Group
This discussion group provides support and information to men
with concerns about prostate cancer. Men only please. Facilitator:
John Llauget, MA, EdS, LMHC, (727) 462-2141
2nd Tuesday | 2-3:15pm
September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9
Shaffer Tower, 4th floor
Evelyn R. Simmers Oncology Resource Library
Additional Support Groups
The following groups are not part of the CaPSS program but
are offered at Morton Plant Mease locations and facilitated by
medical professionals and/or cancer survivors.
Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
This group meets at 7pm on the fourth Monday of each month at
the Lansky Pavilion at Bardmoor Outpatient Center, Administration
Conference Room. For further information, call Joe Chapin at
(727) 547-5522.
Patients, caregivers, families and the interested public are invited
to join this educational group. For information, visit
TampaBay.Myeloma.org or contact Jim Barth at
[email protected] or (727) 804-2153.
1st Saturday, 10:30am-12:30pm
September 6, October 4, November 1, December 6
Mease Countryside Hospital, Meeting Room 3
Ostomy Support Group
Thyroid Cancer Support Group
3rd Saturday | 1:30pm
September 20, October 18, November 15, December 20
Cheek-Powell Heart and Vascular Pavilion, 2nd floor
2nd Saturday, 10:30am-Noon
Morton Plant Hospital
September 13, October 11, November 8: Cafeteria
December 13: Tuttle Auditorium, Room D
The Clearwater Ostomy Support Group provides support to those
who are about to have or recently have had ostomy surgery. Family
and friends are welcome to attend. For more information, call Marilyn
Bossard at (727) 391-5682.
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Multiple Myeloma Educational Group
This group is dedicated to support, education and communication for
thyroid cancer survivors, their families and friends. Contact volunteer
facilitators Doris Proni at (727) 742-9056, Lisa Hutto at (727) 518-4269
or Lydia Hartney, ARNP, BC, at (727) 271-0703.
Breast Cancer Services
Breast Care Nurse Navigator
Our Breast Care Nurse Navigator, Agnes
Jastrzebski, RN, CBHN, is located at the
Axelrod Pavilion and is available to provide
free individualized guidance to anyone who
has been diagnosed or treated for breast
cancer at Morton Plant Hospital. The role of
our Breast Care Nurse Navigator is to follow
patients throughout every aspect of treatment
and assist as needed with coordination of
care prescribed by the patient’s team of
breast health specialists. Additional ways the
navigator may assist include:
nP
roviding education, information and
resources to women recently diagnosed
with breast cancer
nB
eing a liaison between the patient
and physicians to ensure better
patient understanding of medical
recommendations
nA
ssessing the educational, physical,
psychological and social needs of the
patient and family members
n S erving as a knowledgeable advocate
for each patient
n Linking patients with community
resources
For further information, contact Agnes
Jastrzebski at (727) 298-6800.
Breast Cancer Educational Materials
For patients diagnosed with breast cancer,
educational information and a list of
community resources for wigs, prostheses and
more are available. Please contact CaPSS
to receive this helpful information.
For Patients Having
Breast Cancer Surgery
If you are scheduled to have a mastectomy,
you can receive a recovery camisole from “A
Place for Her.” The camisole is soft cotton
and has a fiberfill, unweighted prosthesis for
use as an easy-to-wear postsurgery garment.
It also has two detachable drainage pouches.
The camisole can be worn during the first
weeks after surgery, before you are ready for a
weighted prosthesis. Your insurance company
may cover all or part of the cost; please check.
To receive a camisole, consult with your
doctor. You can visit “A Place for Her” at
1245 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater,
or call (727) 447-1146.
Genetic Counseling/Testing
for Breast Cancer
A small percentage of breast cancer—less
than 20 percent—may be the result of an
inherited disorder. The more blood relatives
you have with breast and/or ovarian cancer,
the higher your risk of getting these cancers.
Genetic counseling/testing can identify your
risk of future cancer as well as the risk to your
children and siblings.
Please talk to your doctor about a referral for
genetic testing and counseling. Identifying
your inherited risk can help you and your
doctor make the most informed decisions
about your health care needs. For more
information, contact Informed Medical
Decisions (IMD) at (800) 975-4819 or
InformedDNA.com.
Clinical Trials for Breast Cancer
Clinical trials are research studies in which
people help doctors find ways to improve
health and cancer care. People who take
part in cancer clinical trials are contributing
to scientists’ knowledge about cancer and
helping in the development of improved
cancer treatments.
If you have been diagnosed with breast
cancer, you may want to speak to your
treating physician to find out which clinical
trials are currently in progress and determine
if a study is right for you. If you do participate
in a study, you will be followed for the length
of the study, and your status will be closely
monitored. For more information, contact
Morton Plant Mease Clinical Research at
(727) 461-8519.
Caregiver as Partner
While your loved one is undergoing his
or her cancer journey, you, as caregiver,
are your loved one’s partner in the journey.
Some might even call you a “co-survivor.”
So what can you do to be the most
supportive caregiver – co-survivor –
you can be on this journey? Here are a
few ideas:
■ Stand right by your loved one’s side.
It’s important for your loved one to
know you’re there for your partner
every step of the way, navigating the
journey with your loved one from
start to finish. Your support should
make your loved one feel safe and
secure, improving quality of life. Your
support may even give both of you a
sense of control over what is, after all,
an uncontrollable situation.
■ Maintain open and honest
communication. A cancer diagnosis
may result in a reluctance to share true
feelings – concern, fear, anger. Each
of you may be reluctant to burden the
other with these feelings. After all, it’s
sometimes easier to put on a happy
face and assure your partner that
everything will be all right. However,
an effective partnership requires
open and honest communication.
If you’re going to be partners in the
journey, then
it’s important to
share your true
thoughts and
feelings with one
another… even
your fears, which
are perfectly
normal for both
of you to have.
■ Don’t be afraid to ask your loved one
how effective YOU are as a caregiver.
Find out how you can continue to
support your partner as needs change.
What’s more, let your partner know
your needs as well. To help each other,
you need to know what each other’s
needs are, even as they change.
■ Remember to take care of yourself!
If you don’t take care of yourself
and end up becoming ill, you won’t
be able to take care of your loved
one. Caregiving is stressful, so
it’s important for you to eat right,
exercise and find a healthy way to
express your emotions.
CaPSS counselors are available to assist you
and your loved one through your journey.
See back page for counselor names and
numbers. Or call the CaPSS main line at
(727) 462-2125.
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Cancer Resource Highlights
A variety of cancer-related programs and services are available to
support you and your family. If you have questions about these or any
other available resources, please contact a CaPSS counselor.
American Brain Tumor Association
(800) 886-2282 • ABTA.org
Your source for information about all types of brain tumors, including
those that are malignant, nonmalignant, primary or metastatic. Find
information on new treatments and help with many aspects of living
with a brain tumor.
American Cancer Society (ACS)
(800) 227-2345 • Cancer.org
Providing numerous programs, including resources for transportation
to treatment appointments, peer support for breast cancer survivors,
free wigs and breast prostheses, financial assistance, and telephone and
online support programs for patients and families.
American Institute for Cancer Research
(800) 843-8114 • AICR.org
This not-for-profit health charity funds research and sponsors
educational programs relating to the link between diet, nutrition and
cancer prevention and treatment. Offers free educational brochures and
nutrition hotline.
CancerCare
(800) 813-HOPE (4673) • CancerCare.org
A national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional
support to those affected by cancer, including counseling and support
groups, education workshops, publications and financial assistance.
Colon Cancer Alliance
(877) 422-2030 • CCAlliance.org
Through patient support, education, research and advocacy, this
nonprofit organization is committed to increasing screening rates and
survivorship for those affected by colon cancer.
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation
(800) 444-4441 • TheGCF.org
A not-for-profit fund-raising organization to support ovarian cancer
research, training of cancer specialists in laboratory research, and a
variety of programs for patient education and public awareness of
gynecologic cancers.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
(800) 955-4572 • LLS.org
Offering a variety of services to patients and families touched by blood
cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Services include
peer support, education, financial assistance and an information
resource center.
Lung Cancer Alliance
(800) 298-2436 • LungCancerAlliance.org
A national nonprofit organization offering education and support
programs, dedicated to patient support and advocacy for people living
with or at risk for lung cancer and their loved ones.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
(800) 4-CANCER (422-6237) • Cancer.gov
Part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the NCI, which
conducts and supports research, is a valuable source of cancer
information for patients, families and caregivers.
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
(888) OVARIAN • (888) 682-7426 • Ovarian.org
The largest ovarian cancer organization raises awareness about ovarian
cancer and promotes early detection and education. The Coalition is
committed to improving the overall survival rate and quality of life for
women and families living with the disease.
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
(877) 272-6226 • PanCan.org
This national nonprofit organization includes a nationwide network
of people dedicated to working together to advance research, support
patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer.
Viva las Chicas
(727) 238-7488 • VivaLasChicas.org
Viva Las Chicas provides limited financial support to assist cancer
patients with non-medical bills they are unable to pay as a result
of undergoing cancer treatment. They also provide several in-kind
services such as house cleaning and lawn care. To apply for assistance,
complete the “Contact Us For Help” form on VivaLasChicas.org.
Breast Cancer Resource Highlights
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Suncoast Affiliate
(727) 823-0728 or (877) 506-6927 • KomenSuncoast.org
Contact the local or national organization for breast cancer information
and resources. The Suncoast Affiliate, which has raised more than $10
million to date, returns 75 percent of funds to our local community
through grants to nonprofit organizations and 25 percent to the National
Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Grants Program for research.
The Pink Fund
(877) 234-7465 • ThePinkFund.org
This organization provides short-term financial aid to breast cancer
patients in active treatment who have lost their jobs or taken medical
leave as a result of their diagnosis and treatment and who are not
receiving a paycheck.
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Mammography Voucher Program (MVP)
(727) 820-4117
Provides breast cancer screening and required follow-up to uninsured
and low-income women ages 40-49. Physician referral required. Call for
more information.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program (BCCSP)
(727) 824-6917
Provides cervical screenings, clinical breast exams and mammograms
to uninsured and low-income women ages 50-64. Call for more
information.
Mind/Body Connection Programs
Yoga Classes for Morton Plant Mease Cancer Patients
Free yoga classes for Morton Plant Mease cancer patients, taught by certified yoga instructors.
Choose your class and location. Registration is required: (727) 953-9038
At White Orchid Yoga
907 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Suite 101
Clearwater
Restorative Yoga
Relieve your stress and calm your mind.
Restorative yoga focuses on slowly and
comfortably relaxing and realigning
the body.
Fridays, 1:30-2:30pm
At Sublime Yoga & Wellness
919 Broadway St., Dunedin
Gentle Flow Yoga
Soothing practice involves moving slowly
into basic yoga poses and includes
meditation and stretching.
Mondays, 9-10:15am
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays 7-8:15pm
Saturdays, 11am-12:15pm
n Register one week at a time
n Register for one or more classes
per week
LET’S GET FIT!
If you’re looking to regain your health once
your treatment ends, you can check out the
following fitness programs.
POWER: Program of Wellness,
Empowerment and Recovery
Now at the Palm Harbor Wellness Center too!
Specially designed for Morton Plant Mease
breast cancer patients, the POWER program
includes a physical therapy component,
if needed, followed by six weeks of twiceweekly small group training sessions, led
by a personal trainer with special training
in cancer treatment and rehabilitation. The
program focuses on stamina, flexibility and
range of motion to improve overall quality of
life. The program includes a six-week Wellness
Center membership.
The program is offered at the Cheek-Powell
Wellness Center in Clearwater, and is now
available at the Palm Harbor Wellness Center.
Interested in participating? Contact your
oncologist for a program referral.
Mindfulness Meditation Class
CaPSS offers a new mind/body
connection program for Morton Plant
Mease cancer patients and family
members — Mindfulness Meditation.
It is all about moment-to-moment
awareness. You’ll discover how to become
fully and attentively present in the
moment to relax your mind and achieve
inner calmness. Through Mindfulness
Meditation, you can learn how to
take better care of yourself and live a
healthier life.
The Mindfulness Meditation class meets
once a week for three weeks, and you are
asked to make a commitment to attend
all three sessions, since each week’s lesson
builds on the previous week’s practice.
For more information, registration and
class location, contact John Llauget at
(727) 462-2141.
Thursdays, September 11, 18 and 25
Thursdays, November 6, 13 and 20
3-4:30pm
Guided Imagery
CaPSS counselors are available to provide
guided imagery to Morton Plant Mease
cancer patients and families who are
interested in learning this technique.
Guided imagery has been shown to help
increase one’s hope and motivation,
decrease depression and fatigue and
reduce the perception of pain. It can also
help alleviate chemo-related nausea and
vomiting, increase comfort during radiation
and help one gain a sense of control
during cancer treatment. For additional
information, please contact a CaPSS
counselor. See phone numbers on
back page.
Qi Gong: Beginner Training
This is a training program to introduce
Morton Plant Mease cancer patients to
the practice of qi gong (pronounced
CHEE-GOONG). Qi gong is an exercise
that originated in China and has been
practiced for thousands of years. This
exercise method stresses mind/body
awareness through breathing, proper
posture and slow, gentle movement.
Presenter: John Llauget, MA, EdS,
LMHC. For registration and class
location: (727) 462-2141
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA
A free, 12-week, twice-a-week exercise program
for adult cancer patients and survivors. The
program focuses on building muscle strength
and increasing flexibility and endurance for
those who have become deconditioned or
chronically fatigued from their treatment and/
or disease. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA staff
members have been specially trained to work
with cancer survivors and follow American
College of Sports Medicine/American Cancer
Society exercise guidelines.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is offered at
YMCAs in Hillsborough, Hernando, Pasco
and Pinellas counties.
For more information, contact the YMCA
of the Suncoast at (727) 467-9622.
October program: Thursdays, October 2
and 9, 3:15-4:15pm
December program:
Thursday, December 4 and 11,
3:15-4:15pm
7
Welcome Debra!
CaPSS is pleased to welcome Debra Wolf, BSW, as our new Social Services Specialist
and Event Coordinator. Debra provides case management services to cancer patients
within the Morton Plant Mease system. She also plans and coordinates several CaPSS
community events throughout the year. Debra joins us from Suncoast Hospice, where
she most recently worked as the Inpatient Care Representative, visiting hospice patients
in the hospital and serving as liaison/case manager between hospital staff and hospice.
Her previous hospice experience included working on home teams and making weekly
visits to patients’ homes. Prior to joining Suncoast Hospice, Debra worked as social
services director and admissions director in nursing homes. Welcome, Debra!
Individual and Family Counseling/Support Services
Cancer Patient Support Services (CaPSS) offers individual counseling and support services
to all Morton Plant Mease (MPM) cancer patients, their families and their friends. Our
services are absolutely free. If you wish to receive this type of service, please call the CaPSS
office or contact one of the following people:
CaPSS Office: (727) 462-2125
Ingrid Asmar, MSW, RCSWI, Social Services Specialist/MVP Patient Navigator:
(727) 462-7153 (Spanish or English)
Ken Bliznick, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, Counselor/MPM Prostate Program Navigator:
(727) 462-2149
John Llauget, MA, EdS, LMHC, Counselor/MPM Prostate Program Navigator:
(727) 462-2141
Agnes Jastrzebski, RN, CBHN, Breast Care Nurse Navigator: (727) 298-6800
Debra Wolf, BSW, Social Services Specialist/Event Coordinator: (727) 462-2145
Please note: CaPSS counselors are available to refer cancer patients and family members
to community-based mental health, substance abuse, financial and spiritual counseling
as needed.
The CaPSS Newsletter
Support Group
and Class Locations
Axelrod Pavilion at
Morton Plant Hospital
400 Pinellas St., Clearwater
Bardmoor Medical Arts Building
8839 Bryan Dairy Road, Largo
Cheek-Powell Heart and Vascular Pavilion
at Morton Plant Hospital
455 Pinellas St., Clearwater
Mease Countryside Hospital
3231 McMullen Booth Road, Safety Harbor
Mease Countryside Medical Arts Building
1840 Mease Drive, Safety Harbor
Mease Dunedin Hospital
601 Main St., Dunedin
Morgan Heart Hospital at Morton Plant
300 Pinellas St., Clearwater
Morton Plant Hospital
300 Pinellas St., Clearwater
Morton Plant North Bay Hospital
6600 Madison St., New Port Richey
Palm Harbor Wellness Center
32672 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor
If you have any comments or questions
about our CaPSS newsletter or would like
to be added to our e-mail list, please call
the CaPSS office at (727) 462-2125, CaPSS
hours are Monday-Friday, from 8:30am to
5pm, with evening groups. You can also find
us and view the newsletter at our Web site,
BayCareCancer.org.
Powell Pavilion at
Morton Plant Hospital
303 Pinellas St., Clearwater
To access the CaPSS newsletter on the Web,
here’s all you have to do:
Sarah Walker Women’s Center
at Morton Plant Hospital
300 Pinellas St., Clearwater
Step 1 - Go to BayCareCancer.org
Ptak Orthopaedic and Neuroscience
Pavilion at Morton Plant Hospital
430 Morton Plant St., Clearwater
Step 2 - Scroll down to the bottom of the
page for the list of BayCare hospitals
Step 3 - Click on Mease Countryside, Mease
Dunedin or Morton Plant hospital
Step 4 - Scroll down to find the newsletter
and click on the image
BC1403330-0714

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