Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester

Breast Cancer 101 (Ongoing)
A program for the newly diagnosed.

This program provides information and support to those who are coping with a breast cancer diagnosis. Most are making decisions about surgery and treatment, however quite a few have recently begun chemotherapy and are taking the course because, as one states, “I finally feel like I have a chance to catch my breath.”

The content of the one-on-one session covers breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The goals of the program are to assist participants in managing the complex tasks and emotions of a breast cancer diagnosis and to empower women to be their own self-advocates as they proceed through treatment, recovery and survivorship.

Our professional facilitators are eager to provide a safe, comfortable atmosphere where information can be absorbed and assimilated, while formulating a strategy for coping with each individual’s breast cancer experience.

Please call 585-473-8177 for a time that is convenient for you.

Breast Cancer 201 (Ongoing)

Modeled after Breast Cancer 101, these are one-on-one sessions for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. New issues arising about a diagnosis of breast cancer are dealt with on the same one-to-one basis as BC 101. Maintaining a nurturing and supportive environment while providing a sounding board for treatment modalities and other issues is all part of BC 201. Call 585-473-8177 for more information.

Brown Bag Fridays
Friday Afternoons
12 Noon

When it’s the end of the week and it is time to unwind…join us for a bit of R & R!

Where else can you find a young Mom of three, a retired school teacher, a master gardener, a court reporter, an executive director, a community activist, a piano teacher, an actress, a writer, a cub scout leader, a homemaker, a school psychologist, a pediatric nurse, an interior decorator and others sitting around chatting over last night’s meatloaf, soup from Nathan’s on Park, salad from Wendy’s, or fruit and yogurt? At the Breast Cancer Coalition! Any given Friday at noon finds a group of women conversing over whatever-they-brought-to-eat and a delectable dessert provided by BCCR.

The conversation runs the gamut…from the latest research on Herceptin to our own locally-funded research initiatives… from hair loss to funky re-growth...from neoadjuvant therapy to the latest clinical trials…from acid reflux to exercise...from recurring dreams to friends and family’s behavior…from prosthetics to bathing suits…from American Idol to The Amazing Race…and on and on and on. The sky’s the limit…and there IS no limit!

This non-traditional support group, in that it is staff-hosted, but there is plenty of support. This group is exactly what many of us have been looking for! It is a drop-in program. There is no need to call ahead, however if you would like more information, please contact Tracey Dello Stritto at 585-473-8177.

Tuesday Night Breast Cancer Support Group
Every 3rd Tuesday Evening – please call 585-473-8177 for the next date!
5:30 to 7 PM

This discussion-based support group, led by Claire Gladwell, RN, meets regularly here at BCCR. Join with others coping with a diagnosis of breast cancer, share your experiences and lend your support. Though no registration is required, please call BCCR at 585-473-8177 for the next meeting date.

Thursday Night Breast Cancer Support Group
Every First and Third Thursday of the Month
5:30 to 7 PM

Meeting on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, this growing group was formed to further provide support to those diagnosed with breast cancer. The group is facilitated by therapist Peg DeBaise. Ms. DeBaise’s prior and current experience includes: coping with health issues; self-esteem; coping with serious illness; relationship concerns; trauma; stress management; depression; and family issues.

This is an open support group, no RSVP required! Just come! Questions? Call 585-473-8177.

Common Ground Wednesday Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group
1st and 3rd Wednesday Mornings of Each Month

Supportive Group environment for individuals who are living with advanced breast cancer
To provide support and information
To help one another while living with Metastatic breast cancer
Professionally facilitated

Developed in consultation with Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) members who are living with Metastatic breast cancer.

The group facilitator, Nancy E. Cooper, PhD., is a licensed psychologist in private practice with professional expertise and interest in therapeutic groups and in working with people who are coping with life changing illness. She is a former BCCR Board Member, as well as a breast cancer survivor.

There is no need to RSVP - just come when you are able. Questions? Call 585-473-8177.

Common Ground Thursday Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group
2nd and 4th Thursday Mornings at 9:30am of Each Month at the BCCR

The Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group is designed to lend support to those who are coping with a diagnosis of advanced breast cancer. The group is led by Peg DeBaise, LMFT. There is no need to RSVP - just come when you are able. Questions? Call 585-473-8177.

Friends & Family Support Group
Second Thursday of Every Month

For those who have a friend, partner, or family member who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, we extend an invitation to a special group designed to offer support and guidance. This group, led by Peg DeBaise LMFT, meets on the second Thursday of each month from 5:30pm until 7:00pm. When the caregiver (male or female, any age) needs support, we're here for you!

An RSVP is appreciated, as light refreshments will be served, but don't let the fact that you haven't called in advance keep you away! Please call 585-473-8177 for more information or to RSVP.

Peer Advocates Lending Support: P.A.L.S. SM
Peer Advocacy is at the core of the philosophy behind the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester. When a woman (or man) is diagnosed with breast cancer, she (or he) is asked to shift quickly from a paradigm of health to a paradigm of disease.

Having a carefully selected PALS mentor, someone who is fluent in the language and who has learned to navigate the unfamiliar terrain, recently, can make the experience more manageable, even empowering, to many of those who are newly diagnosed. The PALS mentors serve as role models and will help those just beginning the journey, and also their significant others, to gain an understanding of the language of breast cancer and its treatment, helping them connect to support services in the community, directing them to appropriate programs and resources. PALS mentors provide a foundation of caring; listening in a patient, non-judgemental manner to instill confidence and comfort in the face of a difficult time. Along with a caring heart and listening ear, the PALS mentor offers a canvas bag filled with all sorts of goodies designed to help ease the burden one can feel while coping with breast cancer.

Please call BCCR at 585-473-8177 to learn how you can become involved as a mentor, or if you would like to be enrolled in the program after your diagnosis and receive the support you need and a pack of comfort items.

Young Survivor Soiree
Four Times A Year

What is a young survivor? Only an individual can determine whether or not the term fits. It could apply to a woman of any age, but it usually refers to those between the ages of 20 and 50. A young survivor can identify with those who have been dealt a breast cancer blow in the midst of a career climb, or while raising children; or perhaps with those whose family plans have been derailed by breast cancer treatment. Four times a year, young survivors gather at the Breast Cancer Coalition for our Young Survivor Soirees. These get-togethers are an informal way to meet and hang out with other survivors who have faced a similar journey.

The next two meeting dates are Friday, August 12th from 6pm to 8pm and Friday, October 21st, from 6pm to 8pm. Please call the Coalition at 585-473-8177 if you have any questions, or to RSVP.

BCCR Book Club
4th Thursday of Every Month

January 26th: The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka

February 23rd: The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean

March 22nd: The Cookbook Collector by Allegra Goodman

About Book Club: What if a traditional support group isn't for you, but you still like the idea of participating in a supportive community following a breast cancer diagnosis? Join our Book Club! The BCCR Book Club meets the 4th Thursday of the month, from 6 to 8 PM. Participation is limited and sign-up is required. To reserve your seat and learn the next book selection, please call Tracey at 585-473-8177.

Gentle Yoga
Monday Evenings

This popular class is taught by Susan Meynadasy, a certified yoga instructor. Each series runs for six weeks and is limited to 12 breast cancer survivors. Susan modifies the yoga program to meet the needs of each individual participant. Those in active treatment for breast cancer or those who are long term survivors are welcome to join us. Those with bone metastases, hip and/or knee replacements, lymphedema, range-of-motion issues following a mastectomy…or any other concerns…should feel assured that the program can be adapted to fit your needs. How do we know? We just described a typical list of participants! The program fills up quickly so if you are interested in joining this group, please call the BCCR at 585-473-8177.

Voices & Visions Writing Workshop
Tuesday Evenings

Voices & Vision is an exciting program that gives people with breast cancer an opportunity to explore and express their feelings through writing. This warm and supportive group is led by a professional, sensitive instructor.

Not only has writing proven to be very therapeutic for breast cancer survivors, this program is getting rave reviews! Each workshop runs for five weeks and advance registration is required. Call 585-473-8177 to learn more and to sign up for the next available session.

Jewelry-making Class
Interested in learning to make glass beads at the torch? How about working with polymer clay to fashion your own pin? Wondering about beaded jewelry fundamentals? Interested in making a beaded embroidery pin? Or an awesome beaded bracelet? The Artisans at Studio 34 (Elton St.) are ready and willing to teach breast cancer survivors new ways to reduce stress and increase relaxation. First come, first serve…so call today and sign up for the next class by calling Studio 34 at 585-737-5858. Please indicate that you are interested in the class specifically for breast cancer survivors!