Comprehensive Breast Center

SUPPORT SERVICES

INTRO

An important component of the Comprehensive Breast Center at St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals are the support services we provide. Accurate diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are the hallmark of our practice and for which our specialists are renowned. In addition, we provide several programs that promote healing at no cost.

We are here to support and see you and your loved ones through your treatment and recovery. We offer several programs that help answer your questions and concerns, as well as engage the mind, body and spirit in the healing process. What we have created for you in our Comprehensive Breast Center is a total healing environment.

You may sign up anytime for whatever program is of interest and you are welcome to attend your choice of sessions as often as you like. Except for a few programs that require advance registration, you may come as you please on scheduled days of your selected programs. For more information on specific programs, please call our Resource Center at 212-523-7082.

PRE-SURGERY STRESS MANAGEMENT

It is perfectly normal to experience tension and stress in anticipation of surgery and its outcome. To reduce anxiety and to help patients cope and prepare for surgery, we offer pre-surgery stress management. Current research suggests that mind-body interventions before surgery help patients achieve better surgical results, reduce discomfort and hasten recovery. A specially trained instructor can schedule an individual session that could include relaxation techniques of breathing, guided imagery, Reiki, and the use of essential oils.

YOGA

Yoga is sometimes defined as an applied science of the mind, body and spirit. Based on ancient Hindu beliefs, the practice of yoga promotes good health by finding the right balance between these forces. A certified instructor in Kripalu yoga, meditation and reflexology leads gentle and restorative yoga classes. Through postural stretches, controlled breathing and progressive relaxation that is akin to meditation, yoga promotes the harmonious integration of one's physical, mental and spiritual faculties, builds physical and emotional strength, and helps harness the body's natural healing abilities. Achieving balance in mind and body is key to maintaining and restoring health and yoga offers these therapeutic benefits, as well as physical and emotional strength and increased energy. Weekly classes of about 1-1/2 hours are held in the late afternoon or early evening.

MEDITATION

With a demonstrated ability to reduce levels of stress and lower blood pressure, meditation is now recognized as mainstream alternative therapy and a valuable tool in mind-body medicine. Rooted in ancient religious traditions practiced in many parts of the world, meditation is a conscious state of concentrated focus. Using breathing and guided imagery, participants are encouraged to get into a state of total relaxation in order to achieve emotional, physical and spiritual health. Led by a certified meditation instructor, classes are held once a week in the evening.

REIKI

Though believed to have roots in ancient Tibet, Reiki is a Japanese word that means "Universal Life Energy." The practice of Reiki is based on the theory of energy pathways flowing through the body. Through laying on of hands over a participant's body, Reiki promotes the balance of vital energy fields in the body, re-orienting and unblocking stuck energy so that it can move fluidly through the body. Realigning energy forces within the body helps attain a sense of well being, reduces stress, increases energy and stimulates the immune system, allowing the participant to maximize the innate potential for healing. Under the guidance of Traditional Reiki Masters, participants emerge from the session feeling relaxed, as well as energized and revitalized. Reiki is offered in the evening once a week; each session is about 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

AEROBICS

This aerobics program combines dance and movement. Co-sponsored by the Jewish Community Center of Manhattan, it is designed specially for women who have or had breast cancer. Classes provide a gentle workout that strengthens without over-stressing the body. Aerobics is an invigorating form of exercise that increases the heart rate and the body's intake of oxygen which improves circulation and the body's overall condition, and helps relieve stress and increase the body's ability to combat illness. Classes are held at the Center located in the Samuel Priest Rose Building on 76 th Street and Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan. Participants should wear comfortable clothing. Registration is required.

AQUATIC THERAPY

Co-sponsored by the Jewish Community Center on Manhattan's Upper West Side, this program offers a gentle form of water aerobics. A Water Safety Instructor conducts stretching and exercises in a heated training pool. Aquatic therapy allows participants to use water's natural buoyant force to do exercises that on land may be more strenuous and difficult. The exercises are designed to help maintain range of motion, trunk stability and strength and are particularly beneficial in preventing post-mastectomy swelling of the arm. Hour-long pool sessions are held once a week. Participants must bring their own swim caps and locks. Towels are provided. Registration is required.

NUTRITION

Nutrition plays an important role in cancer prevention, treatment and survival. Maintaining a healthy weight during treatment can help sustain your energy level and overall quality of life, and may ease recovery. Guidance from a professional through one-on-one counseling can help patients optimize their nutrition during and after treatment. Through our Nutrition Oncology Program, an oncology nutritionist can guide you through key nutrition issues for patients with cancer and menu planning.

SKIN CARE

Cancer treatment with radiation and the potent drugs used in chemotherapy can cause dry and sensitive skin. Our skin care consultant can advise you on ways to prevent and relieve irritation and rejuvenate your skin.

SUPPORT GROUPS

An important component of treatment, recovery and survivorship is the support derived from people around you . your loved ones, your caregivers, your friends and even people you have never met before. In general, choosing a support group amounts to spending time and sharing thoughts, feelings and concerns with others with whom you have a common bond. Patients with cancer and their loved ones have found support groups particularly beneficial in helping them through the healing process. Through our Resource Center, we can help you find a group that suits your needs.

THE LIBBY ROSS FOUNDATION PINK RIBBON PROGRAM

The Libby Ross Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on providing support for people with breast cancer and promotion of awareness, prevention and early detection of breast cancer through outreach programs and support of research for a cure. At the Comprehensive Breast Center at St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals, women newly diagnosed with breast cancer benefit from the Foundation's Pink Ribbon Kit program, which provides gift bags filled with comfort items and self-help tools that may be helpful during treatment. The kit also has valuable information on available resources, as well as medical and emotional issues.

MIND-BODY WORKSHOPS

Throughout the year, we offer several workshops that focus on mind-body approaches to illness and healing. Wellness events such as Tai Chi Chih and art therapies are scheduled regularly to introduce women to information, techniques, and practices designed to nurture the body, mind and spirit. Special events such as Spa Day, health fairs and Survivors Day are programs that foster the physical and emotional well being of our patients. These programs are announced in a quarterly bulletin, which can be mailed to you. Please ask to be put on the mailing list by calling our Resource Center at 212-523-7082

LECTURES

We organize several lectures that feature notable specialists who speak about advances in cancer treatment and address issues of concern to women with breast cancer, as well as their loved ones and friends. With support from The Selma and Lawrence Ruben Foundation, we annually hold the Ruben Breast Cancer Lecture Series which is free and open to the public. Lectures are announced in special bulletins, which can be mailed to you. Please ask to be put on the mailing list by calling our Resource Center at 212-523-7082.

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