Support Groups

For additional information, e-mail Patient Navigator, Kelly Zant, or call her at 425-467-3809 or 800-334-0216.

There are many benefits of peer and professional support. Attending support group classes can help you feel less isolated, understood and heard. It also provides the opportunity to learn new ways of coping and meeting new people who share similar experiences. Overlake provides many support opportunities, several of which apply specifically to cancer. These programs are a safe place to share joys, sorrows, worries and laughter and are open to the entire community. All programs are available at no cost through the generous funding of the Cancer Center Auxiliary.

Cancer Resource Center Classes and Services

Free Lending Library, Internet access and supportive counseling. Available Monday through Friday. Call 425-688-5986.

Wig Closet

An American Cancer Society program loaning wigs to women who have medically-related hair loss. Drop in Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or call 425-688-5986 to make an appointment.

Support Groups

All groups are professionally facilitated and offered several times throughout the year. Call 425-688-5986, unless otherwise noted.

Grief and Loss Support Group

For people who have suffered the loss of a loved one due to cancer. Second and fourth Thursdays of each month, 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Overlake Radiation Oncology waiting room. Interested individuals are required to register through Desiree Hobson, MSW, Cancer Support Services social worker, at 425-688-5586.

Breast Cancer Group

Provides support and education for women who have, or have had, breast cancer. First and third Tuesdays of each month, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Cancer Resource Center, Suite 250.

Reconstruction after Breast Cancer Surgery Group

For women who have, or have had, breast cancer and are considering reconstruction surgery options. It provides support through education and information sharing. Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Overlake Medical Tower, Suite 250.

Volunteer Programs and Affiliated Services

Sit & Knit

A volunteer group that believes in sharing the healing power of knitting. Two groups currently meet on campus to knit. The "chemo caps" and afghans they make are given to cancer patients. Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 425-655-5986.

Look Good ... Feel Better

An American Cancer Society program addressing skin care and hair loss with cosmetics, wigs, scarves and turbans. These free classes are held at the PACCAR Education Center in the Insight meeting room.

The following is a list of the remaining dates for 2009:

Monday, August 10, 1 to 3 p.m.
Monday, September 21, 6 to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20, 7 to 9 p.m.
Monday, November 16, 6 to 8 p.m.
Monday, December 7, 6 to 8 p.m.

To register for Look Good...Feel Better, call 425-467-3809 or 800-334-0216 or e-mail the Cancer Resource Patient Navigator.

For more information about cancer support programs, please call 425-688-5986 or e-mail the Cancer Resource Patient Navigator.

CANCER CENTER


	Frank Shaver hip replacement patient An avid skier, Frank Shaver's active lifestyle caught up with him. The retired member of the National Ski Patrol hit the slopes at the start of a recent ski season, only to experience terrible pain in his left leg. X-rays showed the cartilage in his left hip was gone. Frank’s Overlake physician recommended a left hip replacement. When he developed similar symptoms in his right leg a few ski seasons later, Frank underwent a second replacement surgery—this time for his right hip. Today, Frank's legs are even stronger and he’s able to ski as well as ever.


	Katharine Warmerdam weight loss surgery patient Katharine was injured and bedridden for six months as a result of a devastating car crash. After undergoing many surgeries to repair her crushed feet, Katharine was told by her doctor that if she didn’t have weight loss surgery and shed her excess weight, she would spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair. Katharine had the surgery and lost 254 pounds in two years. She no longer has high blood pressure or pre-diabetes. She’s learned to eat healthier and become more active while gaining a new lease on life.


	George Anderson cancer survivor When George Anderson experienced persistent abdominal discomfort, he suspected something was wrong. He was right. A colonoscopy showed he had stage IIIB rectal cancer and needed surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Overlake's interdisciplinary cancer treatment team developed a treatment plan specific to George's condition. Today he is cancer free, enjoys spending time with his wife and grandchildren and continues to live his life to the fullest.


	John Keffer cardiac patient Redmond Fire Captain John Keffer had transferred hundreds of patients to Overlake’s Emergency Department (ED), so when paramedics rushed him to the same ED to for an irregular heartbeat, he appreciated getting immediate access to top-notch treatment. A congenital heart defect had damaged a portion of John’s aorta, causing the irregular heartbeat. During open-heart surgery, Overlake’s expert team of physicians successfully replaced the damaged blood vessel. Today, John is fully recovered.