Cancer Wellness
At the Center for Cancer Care, we believe support is an important component of the care and recovery of our patients and their families. Several programs are available to support individuals throughout all aspects of their cancer experience.
- Counseling
- Exercise
- Nutrition Services
- Oncology Rehabilitation
- Creative Art Programs
- Integrative Therapies
- Special Events
- Cancer Wellness Newsletter
- Schwartz Center Rounds
The social workers at the Center for Cancer Care at Exeter Hospital offer counseling and psychotherapy services to our patients and members of their family. Individual, couples, and family counseling are available to offer emotional support for all those involved in the treatment process. In addition, a variety of support groups and programs are offered to enhance coping skills, gain support, and learn anxiety reduction techniques for children, adolescents and adults.
Emotional well being is equally as important as the physical well being of our patients. The diagnosis of a serious illness, such as cancer, may be a time when emotional concerns may need to be addressed. In addition to counseling services, social workers are available to help patients become more familiar with community resources, answer financial and insurance related questions, and provide referrals to VNA and other home health care agencies.
For information about counseling, please call (603) 580-7336.
Integrative Medicine is the comprehensive use of both Eastern and Western medicine techniques to provide a safe and balanced approach with an emphasis on treatment of the whole patient. Integrative Oncology includes several therapeutic options used to assist patients in managing cancer treatment and disease related side effects.
Integrative Health & Wellness Services
Synergy Health & Fitness Center also provides massage, acupuncture and yoga classes.
The majority of individuals with cancer will receive surgery, and many will receive chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Individuals receiving treatment for cancer can often benefit from rehabilitation to address some of the potential physical side effects of treatment.
Oncology rehabilitation has different phases of treatment:
Preventative - Treatment works to help prevent problems such as fatigue, weakness or swelling (lymphedema) with proactive approaches.
Restorative - Treatment works to restore skills such as daily functional activities, strength, and range of motion.
Supportive - Treatment uses management techniques for conditions such as swelling (lymphedema) or nerve related symptoms such as numbness or weakness with supportive strategies.
Palliative - Treatment is intended to help manage symptoms related to disease progression to maintain function and quality of life.
The Center for Cancer Care has physical therapists on staff to provide immediate and ongoing screening for rehabilitation. Those individuals who need rehabilitation can receive Physical, Occupational and/or Speech Therapy during their hospital admission, in their home or on an out-patient basis. Treatment plans are established to meet the individual goals of the patient.
Physician referrals are required for rehabilitation; most services are covered by insurance. For more information call Nancy Potter, MSPT, at 603-580-6548. If recommended, patients may also participate in the Cancer Well-fit Exercise Program at Synergy Health & Fitness Center.
Individuals with a diagnosis of cancer often have special dietary concerns. Cancer treatment may cause side effects such as changes in appetite, eating habits or taste, fluctuations in weight, or nausea. Some dietary supplements and herbals can interfere with cancer treatments. Nutrition consultations with a Registered Dietitian are available.
A healthy diet supports cell repair and helps prevent infection. In fact, some cancer treatments are more effective if the patient is getting enough calories and protein before, during and after treatment. Programs are designed to ensure proper nutrition during cancer care, minimize the effects of cancer care on one's diet, and restore health through nutrition during recovery. For more information, please call our registered dietician Meg Merz, RD, LD, at (603) 580-7303.
Cancer Well-fit Exercise Program
Many research studies have documented the benefits of exercise in cancer care. Some of those benefits include decreased fatigue, nausea, anxiety and depression as well as improved strength, endurance and immune system function.(1) A recent study conducted by Brigham & Women's Hospital also demonstrated an improved survival benefit in breast cancer patients who were more physically active.(2)
At the Center for Cancer Care we consider exercise to be a potential part of each patient's treatment plan. Cancer Well-fit is our exercise program designed for people who are currently in or within one year of cancer treatment. These free, 10-week, twice-weekly exercise classes are held at Synergy Health & Fitness Center on the campus of Exeter Hospital. All participants are screened by a licensed prepared physical therapist prior to enrollment and individual exercise programs are prescribed to meet the needs of each participant.
If acute one-on-one therapy is required, patients are referred for oncology rehabilitation.
Medical clearance is required for participation. Classes are available in the morning and afternoon on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with new participants starting every week throughout the calendar year. Individualized classes consist of instruction in flexibility, strengthening and cardiovascular exercises with appropriate monitoring by trained exercise professionals.
Weekly Cancer Well-fit Yoga classes are also now available at Synergy's Mind Body Studio. Medical clearance and screening are also required for the Cancer Well-fit Yoga classes.
For more information, contact Amy Litterini, PT, DPT, at (603) 580-7067.
The Cancer Well-fit staff is actively completing a research project looking at the benefits of exercise in stage IV cancer. If interested in participating, those individuals starting the Cancer Well-fit program are asked for their consent to enroll in the study.
References: 1. Galvao, D., Newton, R. (2005). Review of exercise intervention studies in cancer patients. J Clin Oncol. Feb 1;23(4):899-909. 2. Holmes, M., Chen, W., Feskanich, D., Kroenke, C., Colditz, G. (2005). Physical activity and survival after breast cancer diagnosis. JAMA. May 25;293(20):2479-86.
Women's Health Rehabilitation Services
Exeter Hospital provides comprehensive rehabilitation services for Women*. Our skilled professionals provide treatment services for: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Urinary and Fecal Incontinence, Pelvic Pain and Dyspareunia., Oncology and Lymphedema Management, Pain related to Pregnancy or Post-partum. Treatment modalities include EMG Biofeedback, Myofacial Release and Manual therapy, along with exercise and education . For more information call (603)580-6548 or the Kingston Office at (603)642-9425. (*men with similar diagnoses are also eligible for these services)
Healing Arts Program
This weekly class is available to adults interested in learning basic art techniques and using the creative process as a springboard for their own personal, spiritual and healing growth. This class is designed for all levels of experience and you do not have to be a trained artist to participate. For more information, or to register, contact Kathleen Robbins, MFA at 603-580-7280.
One on One Art Instruction
While patients are here for treatment, our in house artist is available for art instruction in their area of interest. Some of the projects available are painting, drawing and craft related projects. One popular project is the memory book or "Life Book" where patients compile a chronology of their life story into a scrapbook with photo memorabilia, lettering and creative decor. Please contact Kathleen Robbins, MFA at 603-508-7280 for more information or to set up an appointment.
Pet Visits
We have certified pet handlers and pet therapy dogs who visit both medical and radiation concology weekly. These visits are sure to bring smiles and help reduce stress!
Look Good...Feel Better
In collaboration with the American Cancer Society, the Center for Oncology and Hematology hosts the Look Good...Feel Better program. This non-medical program teaches women going through cancer treatment the basics of make-up application and hair techniques to help manage the appearance related to side effects of cancer treatment. A free make-up kit is provided to each individual. For more information, contact the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345. To register for the next class, please call 580-7040.
Spiritual Care
Spiritual Care can be an important part of healing for some patients. At The Center for Cancer Care, the non-denominational hospital chaplain is available in the clinic or by appointment to provide spiritual counseling and support. A religious affiliation is not required as spirituality is different for every individual. For more information, contact Champlain Wayne Van Gundy, D. Min., at (603) 580-7482.
Each year, the Center for Cancer Care participates in several events designed to increase awareness for cancer prevention and support, raise funds for cancer research and programming, and celebrate survivorship.
The Relay for Life is an annual summer event hosted by the American Cancer Society at Phillips Exeter Academy. Teams of 8-15 people walk or run around the track for 18 hours while generating donations from sponsors. Many fun activities are planned and the music is always lively. Come enjoy the survivor's lap and opening ceremonies as well as the luminary ceremony at dusk. Contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 for more details.
Making Strides against Breast Cancer is an annual event in October - breast cancer awareness month - hosted by the American Cancer Society and Exeter Health Resources, at Synergy Health and Fitness Center. Sponsored teams walk a planned route through downtown Exeter with the funds raised going towards breast cancer research. Please contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 for more information.
Survivor's Day is an annual celebration held on the first Sunday in June. It is hosted by the Center for Cancer Care. The family style cookout is served with live music and plenty of fun. Please join us for this celebration for patients, families and staff. Please call 580-7040.
The Center for Cancer Care at Exeter Hospital distributes a quarterly newsletter to patients, physicians, and others. The newsletters contain articles and information on:
- Available programs
- Community events and fundraising
- Art and writing from our patients
- An "Ask the Expert" column
- Recipes from our nutritionists
- Calendar of events
To read the most recent newsletter click here. To sign up for e-newsletter please click here and complete form.
With coordination by the Center for Cancer Care, Exeter Hospital hosts a monthly session for clinicians called the Schwartz Center Rounds. These meetings are an open forum for our staff members to discuss the emotional issues surrounding care.
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