The cancer survivorship series at the Houston Methodist Cancer Center at Sugar Land is designed to improve the physical, social, psychological and spiritual health of cancer survivors and caregivers.

 

“With the tremendous strides made in cancer care, we are seeing more and more survivors live long and productive lives after their treatment ends,” said Amy Sebastian-Deutsch, director of oncology and infusion therapy services at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “But these survivors, most over the age of 50, often require specialized services to overcome the physical and emotional impacts of their disease and treatment. There really was nothing comprehensive offered in Fort Bend, so we decided to augment our current supportive offerings by providing a range of services centered around art, music, exercise and massage.”

 

The cancer survivorship series continues to offer these programs free of charge:

  • Thriving Through Creative Arts — offers survivors a chance to express themselves through creative arts, including drama, dance, music and poetry. Thriving Through Creative Arts begins Jan. 9.
  • Life in Motion — designed to improve balance, coordination and agility and enhance social and emotional health. Life in Motion begins Jan. 9.
  • Music4Life — designed to improve muscle relaxation, mood management and expression of emotion. Music4Life begins Jan. 23.
  • Massage — the benefits of massage include alleviation of stress, pain and other side effects which may be experienced as a result of cancer and its treatments. This service will be provided on a limited basis for cancer survivors. Survivors should call Houston Methodist Wellness Services and mention the cancer survivor program provided through Houston Methodist Sugar Land at 713.441.5980.

 

“These programs provide other benefits, too, because they allow survivors to meet and interact with others who have lived through the same experiences,” said Sebastian-Deutsch. “Having someone to talk with who understands what it’s like to fight and survive cancer is an important part of the healing process. Having that camaraderie with others can be powerful.”

 

For more information on the cancer survivorship series, or to register, visit houstonmethodist.org/events and search for ‘Cancer Survivorship Series’ or call 281.205.4514.

 

Houston Methodist Sugar Land is Fort Bend County’s only hospital with American College of Surgeons - Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation. Facilities achieve such accreditation after proving commitment to providing the best cancer care and complying with CoC standards. Hospitals that achieve accreditation provide a vast scope of high quality, specialized services — screenings, diagnostics, genetic testing, advanced technology, clinical trials and patient support.

 

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital also offers a breast cancer support group, grief support group, powerful tools for caregivers and support/services via CanCare. For more information about these support groups visit houstonmethodist.org/spiritual-sl.