Breast Cancer Group. Semi-monthly support group for women living with early stage breast cancer. Learn and gain support from others who understand the concerns and challenges of breast cancer. Facilitated by an oncology nurse and a social worker. Wednesdays, Sept. 21 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Physician's Conference Center Auditorium on the grounds of Inova Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use Blue parking garage. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Seated Motion. This chair-based exercise program increases heart rate, tones and strengthens muscles, and increases range of motion and flexibility. Exercises are tailored to the varying needs of individual participants. Wednesdays, Sept. 21, 28 and Oct. 5, 12 and 19. 2-2:45 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Head and Neck Cancers: Heads Up! This educational support group is for current and former head and neck cancer patients and their significant others. Facilitated by an oncology social worker and a radiation oncology team member. Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use Blue parking garage. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Breast Cancer: A Tour of Care — Pre-Op Classes for Mastectomy and/or Reconstruction. A Breast Cancer Nurse Educator will provide information and support for women who have scheduled a mastectomy and/or reconstruction. Wednesdays, Sept. 14 or 28 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1B. Choose one session and call 703-776-2820.
Moving On. Exercise series for cancer survivors in treatment or remission, designed to increase muscle strength and flexibility, improve endurance and fatigue, and enhance overall well-being. Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 14-Oct. 19 from 3-4 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1D. Registration required by Sept. 9. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Caregivers Meeting. Semi-monthly meetings for family members to discuss and explore topics of concern. Wednesdays, Sept. 14 and 28 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use Blue parking garage. At Sept. 14 meeting, Oncology counselor Drucilla Brethwaite, LCSW, will address strategies for relaxation and controlling the stress often experienced by patients and caregivers. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Seminars for Survivors: Rediscover Your Passion for Life. Join Christel Libiot, life coach, to examine life and cancer experiences from different perspectives. Take steps towards living more fully through group sharing and a series of exercises. Thursday, Sept. 15 from 7:15-8:45 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1B. Register by Sept. 12. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Reducing the Risk of Lymphedema. Some surgical procedures for cancer can result in blockages in the lymphatic system, resulting in lymphedema, the swelling caused by the buildup of fluid in soft tissues. Lymphedema therapist Paula Levinson and cancer survivor Linda Glick will provide an overview of lymphedema and share recommendations and practical tips for minimizing or preventing the risk of post-surgical lymphedema. Monday, Sept. 19 from 7:15-8:45 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1B. Register by Sept. 16. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Good Grief for Children. Continuation of an eight-week group with age-appropriate activities, discussion and art therapy to help children share thoughts and feelings and to help with the grief process. Ages 5-12. Mondays, Sept. 19 and 26 and Oct. 3 from 5-6:15 p.m. at the Life With Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Call Jenny Eckert, Children's Program manager, at 703-208-5623 to register or for information.
Understanding and Managing Peripheral Neuropathy. Kathy Curran, a nurse practitioner from New York's St. Vincent's Comprehensive Cancer Center, provides an overview of this topic. Tuesday, Sept. 20 from 7:15-8:45 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1B. Register by Sept. 16. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
All About Wigs. Wig specialist Laura Waites provides information for the first-time wig buyer. A variety of "laternative hair" products will be availabel for demonstration. Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 708 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room A. Register by day before class. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
Lung Cancer Group. LWC nurse educator Eric Cohen will provide an overview of the anatomy of the lungs and how they work. Join fellow lung cancer patients, family members and friends to discuss the challenges of living with lung cancer and its treatments. Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Life With Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Call 703-776-2820.
Breast Cancer, A Tour of Care: Pre-Op Classes for Lumpectomy and/or Nodal Biopsy. A breast cancer nurse educator will provide information and support for women who have scheduled a lumpectomy and/or nodal biopsy. Learn how to prepare for surgery, what to expect and what to do after surgery. Learn ways to cope with a cancer diagnosis and talk with others having similar concerns. Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Life With Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1B. Call 703-776-2820.
Good Grief Dinner for Teens. This monthly dinner offers teens an opportunity to meet others who have lost a loved one to cancer, share thoughts and feelings, and learn about the grief process. Ages 13-18. Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Life With Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Call Jenny Eckert, Children's Program manager, at 703-208-5623 to register or for information.
Writing for Wellness: Healing Haiku. The group will read and write this ancient Japanese verse form and learn how it can provide a simple centering for one's life. Counselor and certified poetry therapist Georgia Robertson, Ph.D., NCC, facilitates three morning sessions, Sept. 21 and 28 and Oct. 5 from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Life With Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Register by Sept. 19. Call 703-776-2841.
Individual Reiki Appointments: Schedule an individual session with a certified Reiki practitioner and experience the benefits of this ancient practice involving the placement of hands on different parts of the body to direct energy in order to release tension and discomfort and enhance well-being. Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 12:30-2 p.m., by appointment, at the Life With Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Schedule an appointment by Sept. 19. Call 703-776-2841.
Children's Educational Support Program. Continuation of an eight-week group with discussion and activities for children ages 5-12. Learn about cancer and find ways to manage the emotions and changes that come when someone in the family has cancer. Wednesdays, Sept. 21 and 28 from 5:15-6:15 p.m. at the Life With Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Call Jenny Eckert, Children's Program manager, at 703-208-5623 to register or for information.
Nutrition: Diet, Exercise and a Healthy You. Dietitian and fitness expert Julia Thorsen, RD, will discuss dietary needs for cancer survivors and address the importance of physical activity on Thursday, Sept. 22. She will also review recent findings on exercise and cancer. 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Life With Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Register by Sept. 19. Call 703-776-2841.
Young Adult Group. Meet with others ages 18-30-something to discuss issues such as intimacy, dating, body image, work and health insurance concerns, treatment side effects, fears of recurrence, and sustaining a normal lifestyle. Thursday, Sept. 22 from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Life With Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room A. Call 703-776-2841.
Colorectal Cancer Group. Oncology counselor Drucilla Brethwaite, LCSW, will address strategies for relaxation and controlling the stress often experienced by patients and caregivers. Meet with others affected by colorectal cancer to address issues and concerns of patients/survivors, caregivers and friends. Facilitated by an oncology nurse and a counselor. Thursday, Sept. 22 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Life With Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Call 703-776-2841.
Nutrition and Breast Cancer. Deb Rowland, RC, dietitian at Inova Alexandria Hospital, provides an overview on nutrition generally, and more specifically for breast cancer, including the role of soy, bone health and more. Monday, Sept. 26 from 7:15-8:45 p.m. at the Life With Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Register by Sept. 23. Call 703-776-2841.
Knitting and Crocheting Circle. Work on a personal project or on projects for hospitalized cancer patients. Past and new participants are welcome. Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Life With Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room A. New projects for the holidays will be discussed at this meeting. Volunteer Carolyn Sam will facilitate. Register by Sept. 26. Call 703-776-2841.
Lymphedema Group Meeting. Meet with others who have hereditary or secondary lymphedema resulting from surgery, radiation or trauma to the lymphatic system. A certified Lymphedema therapist and an oncology counselor will facilitate discussion about physical and emotional concerns. Wednesday, Sept. 28 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Life With Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Call 703-776-2841.
Expressive Arts: Drawing Step by Step. Spend the morning with healing artist Maureen Wolford to learn some of the basics. Drawing materials provided. Thursday, Sept. 29 from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Life With Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Register by Sept. 26. Call 703-776-2841.
The Ostomy Support Group of Northern Virginia will hold its monthly meeting Sunday, Oct. 2 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at INOVA Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Rosd, Falls Church, Physicians' Conference Center. Conversation and refreshments begin at 1:30. Mary Ann Brooks, CWOCN, discusses "Beyond Kegels: biofeedback and urinary incontinence." No admittance fee. Ostomy nurse at every meeting for help and advice. Open to all; parking in Blue garage is free with ticket stamped at UOA meeting. The chapter phone is 703-802-3457, or visit www.novachapteruoa.org.
"Autism, Asperger's and PDD: A Parent's Guide to Identification and Intervention." Parents who know or suspect their child has a pervasive development disorder (PDD) or autism can get answers to their questions at a Sept. 21 symposium sponsored by the Jewish Social Service Agency of Metropolitan Washington. The event will be held from 7-9 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax. Two clinical social workers and the director of the Take 2 camp for children will address characteristics of autism, Asperger's and PDD as well as treatment options, resources for children and parents, social skills groups, communicating with schools and other concerns. The registration fee is $25. The registration fee is $25. For information and registration call 703-204-9100 or e-mail jnaiman@jssa.org.
Support group for survivors of abuse by clergy and other representatives of the Church. On Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Road, McLean. Co-sponsored by Voice of the Faithful and Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests. Call Ellen Radday at 703-538-6128.