Embrace Survivorship

 

Your life has begun anew as a cancer survivor. After treatment, there are still challenges ahead. The following programs can help you transition to survivorship with the support you need.

Feeling Your Best  

Feeling your best often starts with proper nutrition, physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. There are a number of programs available at Riddle and in our community to provide you with the best resources.

Nutrition
Food acts as fuel for our bodies and a balanced diet can make a difference in your life as a cancer survivor. Riddle Hospital offers individual sessions with a registered dietitian. Lynn W. Nichols, RD, LDN, CDE, is a breast cancer survivor herself. She will offer advice and support to have you feeling your best. Call 484.227.3490 to make an appointment.

Fitness
Get up and get moving. After breast cancer, taking time out of your busy schedule to build your strength can help you on your journey in survivorship. Either through aerobic activities, weight training or yoga classes, the Riddle Fitness Center offers short and long term membership options. You will even receive a personal training session to help you get started. Call 484.227.3045 for information.

Tobacco Cessation
Riddle Hospital offers tobacco cessation programs and support groups throughout Delaware County. For information on times and locations, or to speak with a counselor to help you quit, call 484.227.3635.

Lymphedema Management Program
Lymphedema may occur as a result of lymph nodes having been removed during surgery or if lymph tissue has been damaged by radiation. The Lymphedema Management Program at Riddle Hospital has specially trained and experienced occupational and/or physical therapists employ a variety of techniques to help patients better manage the symptoms associated with lymphedema. The best results are achieved with early and continued treatment. For information, visit mainlinehealth.org/outpatientnetwork or call 484.227.3030.

Look Good, Feel Better
Women undergoing treatment for cancer are invited to join us for this program. Learn the latest make-up tips as well as information on wigs, head wraps and more! Each participant will receive a personal beauty kit to take home. This is a free program, but pre-registration is required. All sessions are held at Riddle Hospital in the Community Ed Center. For more information or to register, call 1.866.CALL.MLH (225.5654) or visit us online at mainlinehealth.org/riddle.

Main Line Health Free Wig Program
Individualized wig fitting sessions are available by appointment only at Riddle Hospital. Call 484.227.4480 for an appointment. Contact the American Cancer Society for additional sites.

Mastectomy Products
The American Cancer Society compiles this listing of mastectomy product suppliers in Delaware County and the surrounding areas. For an updated list of resources in our area, please call 215.985.5332.

Your Emotional Health

Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health. It is important to understand that the experiencing of sadness, stress, anxiety and even anger are a natural, necessary and healthy part of this process. We encourage you to take advantage of the services available at Riddle Hospital and in our local community.

Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics Program
Approximately 10% of cancer cases are caused by factors passed from one generation of a family to the next. The Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics Program at Riddle Hospital provides consultations to those at increased cancer risk due to their personal or family history. These services include an overview of cancer risk factors, cancer-specific genetic evaluation and pedigree analysis, coordination of genetic testing, when appropriate, and discussion of customized cancer prevention and risk reduction options. Each case is reviewed by a certified genetic counselor and a medical oncologist trained in cancer genetics. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the program’s Riddle office at 484.227.3863.

Breast Cancer Survivors Network
This group is for women facing breast cancer and focuses on staying positive and healthy through the support of others. Meetings often feature guest speakers and activities to enhance your life as a survivor. Meetings are held every month on the campus of Riddle Hospital. For more information, call 484.227.3560 or visit mainlinehealth.org/riddle community.

Cancer Support Group
Join other patients who are at all stages of cancer treatment and survivorship. This support group, held twice a month at Riddle Hospital, can help you share stories and advice with others who understand. Please call 484.227.4480 for more information.

Therapy Services
Main Line Health's Behavioral Health specialists focus on your emotional needs during this time.
Jane Antonowsky, LCSW
610.667.7284
Lee Bowers, PhD
610.520.0443 

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Additional Resources

National & Local Organizations

The following national and local organizations offer support for cancer survivors in a group setting or an individual basis. Participation with these organizations is encouraged to help make the most out of your journey in survivorship.

American Cancer Society
cancer.org
1.888.227.5445
Cancer Care Inc. cancercare.org 800.813.HOPE (4673)

Y-ME National Breast Cancer Org.
800.221.2141

Living Beyond Breast Cancer
lbbc.org
Support and Educational Services:
610.645.4567
Survivors HelpLine: 888.753.LBBC

Young Survival Coalition
youngsurvival.org/Philadelphia
866.702.3448

Cancer Support Community
cancersupport-phila.org
215.879.7733

Cancer Legal Resource Center (CLRC)
disabilityrightslegalcenter.org
1.866.843.2572

Bringing Hope Home
bringinghopehome.org
484.580.8391

Community Transportation of Delaware County
ctdelco.org
610.490.3960