I am honoured to deliver the national webinar, “Exploring Grief and Moving Forward After a Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis” for Wellspring as they partner with Pancreatic Cancer Canada in support of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
Pancreatic Cancer is often found in later stages because it has relatively few symptoms and is statistically one of the worst cancers for treatment and survival. Anticipatory grief is one of the many unique challenges encountered following a Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis as 70% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer do not survive past the first year, which means a Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis can be traumatic for patients and families.
In this webinar we will define Anticipatory Grief and explore some universal sources of grief, while demystifying and acknowledging different types of loss, and consider how we uniquely metabolize grief. Lastly, we will highlight some resources for support and explore considerations for self-care.
Teaching about the importance of empathy
To learn more about how Dr. Barbara Tatham used her own illness to teach others about the importance of empathy, please read "White Coat to Blue Gown".
"She laid herself bare for everyone to see just how hard it can be to be a patient, and in doing so, made all of us want to do better.... Barb’s honesty about her poor prognosis was painful to hear but she had clearly confronted her own humanity and mortality in a way that few of us ever will.” Source: e-Dialogue College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Medical Education: Honouring life, love, loss and legacy at McMaster University
Incredibly honoured to facilitate the Annual Dr. Barbara Tatham Memorial Lecture & thank her sisters Erica, Deanna & Laura for joining us to demystify grief, honour loss & explore healing while caring for others and ourselves. Honouring Dr. Tatham's life, legacy and brilliant contributions to Medical Education at McMaster University.
Honouring person and family-centred care is ESSENTIAL from time of diagnosis, throughout treatment, into remission, at end-of-life, and into bereavement.
A cancer diagnosis is traumatizing. Finding community, support and connection is essential in the face of trauma. Stories of others moving through trauma are always important in post-traumatic growth (Tedeschi & Calhoun). Strength is often correlated, almost paradoxically, following an increased sense of being vulnerable - of being human.
Today, please take a moment to connect with your breath, honour your strengths and make space for who and what matters most in your life. ❤️
Today is the Annual #TerryFoxRun. To support Dr. Tatham's life, legacy and indomitable spirit in the face of cancer, please donate to #TeamBarb https://run.terryfox.ca/team/teambarb
Living with Added Uncertainty and Isolation
Due to COVID-19, many people are experiencing an additional sense of grief and loss when faced with a cancer diagnosis. How can people with cancer and their loved ones tend to these difficult feelings during this time? Honoured to have offered Living with Added Uncertainty and Isolation for the CANCER AND COVID-19 WEBINAR SERIES for the Canadian Cancer Society.
In this free webinar, we discuss how COVID-19 has impacted the experience of uncertainty and isolation for people living with cancer and their loved ones, along with some strategies to address thoughts and feelings and some available free resources.
Searching for Meaning and Finding a “New Normal”
Grateful to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada for the opportunity to co-present Searching for Meaning and Finding a “New Normal” with author and advocate Aviva Rubin.
This free webcast briefly explored the impact of a cancer diagnosis - both on the individual and family. Additionally, the non-medical implications following a diagnosis were addressed and further highlighted some of the challenges in moving forward and finding a "new normal."
This free webcast is now archived for viewing. For information or to view, please visit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
Free Breast Cancer Support Group
Am pleased to be facilitating this FREE support group at Wellspring Chinguacousy for women following a diagnosis of breast cancer.
The Breast Cancer Support Group provides a community for women who have been newly diagnosed with breast cancer, or are currently in treatment. This group can reduce isolation and provide an opportunity for peer support, to meet with others to explore the many emotional, social and practical challenges of coping with breast cancer
While this is a FREE group, registration is required, with a commitment to attend each week, for a period of six weeks. The next group is offered on the following dates:
Mon Mar 11, 2019: 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Mon Mar 18, 2019: 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Mon Mar 25, 2019: 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Mon Apr 1, 2019: 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Mon Apr 8, 2019: 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Mon Apr 15, 2019: 12:00pm - 1:30pm
For information, or to register, please visit Wellspring Chinguacousy