Breast Cancer: 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 during the hospital stay and how to care for oneself after surgery. Learn ways to cope with a cancer diagnosis and talk with others that have similar concerns. Wednesday, March 15 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 to register. If surgery is before class date, call to speak with Deborah Cook, RN.
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 you face. Facilitated by an oncology counselor and a nurse. Wednesday, March 15 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use Blue parking garage. Call 703-776-2841.
Young Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer. A closed support group setting for women in their 20s-40s living with metastatic breast cancer to share life's joys and sorrows, and balancing children, work and family demands in the midst of cancer. Facilitated by the breast cancer counselor. Wednesday, March 15 at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room. A or B. Call Sage Bolte, LCSW at 703-208-5620 for information and to register.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Groups — Coalesce II. Meet in a closed support group setting with other women living with metastatic breast cancer to share life's joys and sorrows. A breast cancer counselor and a psychiatry fellow facilitate these groups. Thursday, March 16 at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room A or B. Call for time. Registration is required. Call Sage Bolte, LCSW, breast cancer counselor, at 703-208-5620, for registration and more information.
Breast Cancer: — 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. Learn how to prepare for surgery, what to expect during the hospital stay and how to care for oneself after surgery, and see samples of implants, prostheses, drains and comfortable undergarments. Learn ways to cope with a cancer diagnosis and talk with others that have similar concerns. Wednesday, March 22 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1B. Choose one session and call 703-776-2820 to register. If surgery is before class date, call to speak with Deborah Cook, RN.
Fitness and Fun. Exercise series for cancer survivors in treatment or in remission, led by a certified fitness instructor. Have fun while increasing muscle strength and flexibility, improving endurance and fatigue, and enhancing overall well-being. Classes are Mondays and Wednesdays, March 22-April 26 from 3-4 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1D. Call 703-776-2841. Registration required for new participants by Wednesday, March 8 to obtain necessary participation forms, available via e-mail. Registration closed after March 29. A new series will start in May.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is offering several telephone support groups for people considering transplant treatment. Each session features a different topic. March 8: Ask the Expert. March 15: A Day in the Life of a Transplant Patient. March 22: Life After Transplant. March 29: Follow-up Discussion. Contact the Society for a registration form and get a toll free number to call. Dial in at 7:30 p.m. to be connected to the group. Contact Darcy Richards-Bauer at 703-960-1100, ext. 238 or richardsd@lls.org. Preregistration is required.
Caregivers Meeting. Meetings for family members to discuss and explore topics of concern including coping strategies, support, information related to cancer and its treatment, and more. Wednesday, March 22. 7-8:30 p.m. at the Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Use Blue parking garage.
Healing with Qi Gong — Evenings. Instructor Pauline Reid returns to facilitate this three-week series of healing Qi Gong, a holistic form of Chinese exercise or "moving meditation," that incorporates gentle movement, meditation and breathwork. Long popular in China, Qi Gong has been shown to enhance well-being, improve balance and energy, reduce stress and promote relaxation. Dress comfortably. Mondays through March 27 from 7:15-8:45 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Call 703-776-2841. Space limited; register by Friday, March 10.
Good Grief for Children 5-12. Beginning of an eight-week group with age-appropriate activities, discussion and art therapy to help children share thoughts and feelings to help with the grief process. Mondays, beginning March 13, 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 more information.
Good Grief Dinner for Teens 13-18. 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. Wednesday, March 15 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 more information.
Lung Cancer Group. Join fellow lung cancer patients, family members and friends to discuss the challenges of living with lung cancer and its treatments. Facilitated by an oncology counselor. Wednesday, March 15 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1B. Call 703-776-2841.
Moms with Cancer. Bring a lunch and join other moms of preschool- and school-age children. Share strategies to balance children, family life and possibly work demands in the midst of life with cancer. Facilitated by oncology counselor and mom Shara Sosa, MSW. Life With Cancer Children's Program Manager Jenny Eckert, MSW, is available to meet with children ages 4 and up in a separate room. 11:30-1 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield. Call 703-776-2841 by Friday, March 17 to register.
Carcinoid Cancer Group. Meet with other carcinoid cancer patients and their adult loved ones to share experiences and learn from one another in this monthly meeting on Saturday, March 18 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1B. Call 703-255-0519.
Multiple Myeloma Group. A life with cancer nurse educator will provide an overview of "Lab Values — What do They Mean?" Blood and urine tests commonly done when one is living with Multiple Myeloma will be covered. Tuesday, March 21 from 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1B. Call 703-776-2841.
Whole Foods Market Cooking Demonstration. Join us for another culinary adventure at Whole Foods. This month's demonstration will feature "Favoring Fiber." Participants will receive copies of recipes and have an opportunity to sample dishes. Wednesday, March 22 from 2:30-4 p.m. at Whole Foods Market, 143 East Maple Ave., Vienna. Seating limited; call 703-776-2841 to register by Monday, March 20.
Seated Motion. A chair-based exercise program that increases heart rate, tones and strengthens muscles, and increases range of motion and flexibility. A fitness instructor guides the class through exercises coordinated to music and tailored to the varying needs of participants. Wednesdays, March 22-April 26 from 2-2:45 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Call 703-776-2841.
Young Adult Group. Meet with others, ages 18 to 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, March 23 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.
Expressive Arts: Finding Jewels on the Journey. Healing artist Maureen Wolford will guide the use of creative endeavors such as collage, self portrait, clay sculpture and spontaneous art to explore some of the common emotions and feelings people experience during the cancer journey. Come hear the messages these emotions are revealing. Thursdays, Feb. 23 and March 2 and 9 from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Space limited. Call 703-776-2841 to register ASAP for all three sessions.
Colorectal Cancer Group. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Karen Oleszweski, RN, MS, AOCN, will provide an update on colorectal cancer and its treatments and side effects. Meet with others affected by colorectal cancer to address issues and concerns. Bring caregivers and friends. Thursday, March 23 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1E. Call 703-776-2841.
The Accessibility Summit 2006, presented by Access Ministry, McLean Bible Church, will be held Friday, March 24 and Saturday, March 25 at various locations in Tysons Corner. This 7th annual conference for the disability community brings together persons with disabilities, families and caregivers, churches, government agencies and community organizations. With 25 new sessions, an exhibit hall hosting nearly 100 industry exhibitors and sponsors, and summit keynotes like Joni Eareckson Tada, founder of Joni and Friends; Gene Stallings, former football coaching legend; and this year’s special guest, Gracie Rosenberger. For information or to register, visit www.AccessibilitySummit.org or call 703-770-2938.
Knitting and Crocheting Circle. Join this get-together for knitters and crocheters who are interested in practicing their craft in the companionship of other cancer survivors every month. Bring your own project or find a new one. Past and new participants always welcome. Volunteer Carolyn Sam will facilitate these sessions. Tuesday, March 28 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room A. Call 703-776-2841 to register by Monday, March 27.
Metastasis — What is That? LWC nurse educator Eric Cohen will provide an overview of what metastases are, where they come from, where they go to in the body and how they are managed. This will be a general overview, not diagnosis-specific. Wednesday, March 29 from 7:15 - 8:45 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Room 1B. Call 703-776-2841 to register by Monday, March 27.
Diet, Exercise and a Healthy You. Going through cancer treatments and getting back to "normal" often wreaks havoc with one's appetite and activity level. Dietitian and fitness expert Julie Thorsen, RD, will provide an overview on diet recommendations and physical activity for cancer survivors. Wednesday, March 29 from 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Merrifield, Suite 203, Room B. Call 703-776-2841to register by Monday, March 27.
The Ostomy Support Group of Northern Virginia, LLC monthly support group meeting will be held Sunday, April 2 from 1:30-3:30p.m. at Inova Fairfax Hospital, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, in the Physicians' Conference Center. Park in Blue garage. A panel of wound, ostomy and continence nurses present current information, answer questions and assist in solving problems. Conversation and refreshments begin at 1:30. Program begins at 2 p.m. No admittance fee. Call 703-802-3457 or visit ostomysupportofnova.org.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Counseling Individual counseling for those, and/or their partners, dealing specifically with metastatic breast cancer, is available. Please call Sage Bolte, LCSW, Breast Cancer Counselor at 703-208-5620 for an appointment.
Multiple sclerosis support group. For anyone with multiple sclerosis and/or their friends and family. 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month at Vienna Presbyterian Church, 124 Park St., N.E. Sponsored by the National Capital Chapter of the MS Society. Call 703-768-4841.
Shoplifters Anonymous Meeting. A 12-step meeting which meets every Thursday from 7-8 p.m. at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 7628 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church. Call 703-475-9278 or email hpower60@verizon.net.
Seated Motion: A fitness instructor will guide the class through exercises for people while sitting in a chair. Wednesdays at Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Rm 1E. Call 301-610-9146 or visit www.can-survive.net from 2-2:45 p.m. Free.
CanSurvive is a patient-led, drop-in, lunchtime, general cancer support group for those dealing with any type of cancer. From 12-1:30 p.m., Thursdays at Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Rm 1B. Call 301-610-9146 or visit www.can-survive.net. Free.
Family members of those suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder meet the first Mondays of every month from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington. Call 703-250-1126.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Support Group meets the every Monday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane, Arlington. Call 703-250-1126.
Donate Blood. There is an urgent need for donors with all blood types. Inova Blood Donor Services is open weekdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., at its main location at 3289 Woodburn Road in Annandale. To inquire about appointments at a convenient donor center or blood drive, call 1-866-BLOOD SAVES (1-866-256-6372) or visit www.inova.org/donateblood.
Other Inova blood donation sites are Inova Alexandria Hospital, 4320 Seminary Road, Alexandria, 703-504-3500; Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, 2501 Parker's Lane, Alexandria, 703-664-7229; CentreMed, Centreville, 703-322-1970.
Inova Blood Donor Services has opened a new donor center: Inova Blood Donor Services, 45745 Nokes Blvd., Dulles. Hours are Sunday, noon-4 p.m, Monday, noon-8 p.m, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m and Friday, 6 a.m-4 p.m. Closed Thursday and Saturday. Call 1-866-256-6372.
Drunk Driving Victim Support Group. Mothers Against Drunk Driving sponsors a group for injured victims and for relatives and friends of those who have been killed in drunk driving crashes. New participants are always welcome. Free. Call 703-978-3025 for location and information.
Depressive and Manic Depressive Group meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7 p.m. at Sunrise of Falls Church, 200 N. Washington St., Falls Church. Call Marshall Epstein at 703-641-5460.
Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorders Support Group meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute, 3302 Gallows Road, Falls Church. Call Loren Booda at 703-524-9474.
Reston Epilepsy Group meets the first Tuesday of each month from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the North County Government Center, Hunter Mill District supervisor's office, community room, at 12000 Bowman Towne Drive.
Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group, a support group for adults diagnosed with seizure disorders and their caregivers, meets every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. at Falls Church High School, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail, Falls Church.
Coalesce I: Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group. Meets Fridays in the late morning at Inova Fairfax Women’s Center, Radiation Oncology Conference Room, 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church. Registration is required. Call Sage Bolte, M.S.W., breast cancer counselor, for time, information and to register at 703-208-5620.
Walk-in Cholesterol Testing. No physician’s request or appointment needed, and results are mailed directly to a residence. Tests include glucose, cholesterol, lipid profile, PSA, glycohemoglobin and lead. Test costs range from $5 to $15. Check or money order accepted. Inova Patient Service Center, 110 Maple Ave. E., Suite 110, Vienna; Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed 12:30-1 p.m. daily. Call 703-938-4039 for more information. Full-service testing with physician’s prescription also available.
Great Falls Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 9220 Georgetown Pike. The Parkinson Foundation welcomes PD patients and family members. They are dedicated to mutual self-help and the enhancement of coping skills for those with Parkinson’s Disease. There is no fee. Contact Glenn Lawrence at 703-406-2732.
Parkinson's Disease Support Groups (exercise, patient discussion and care partners) meet weekday mornings at the Cherrydale Baptist Church, 3910 Lorcom Lane, Arlington. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) invites persons with PD and their care partners. Interested participants must call ahead. For schedules and more information, contact Leon Paparella at 202-966-4450.
The Parkinson's Disease Young Onset Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Dolley Madison Library lower level meeting room at 1244 Oak Ridge Ave. in McLean. There is no charge. Patients, caregivers and family members are welcome. Call Hilary Blue at 703-821-1393 for more information.
Parkinson's Disease Caregivers/Carepartners Support Group meets third Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., at Dolley Madison Library, lower level meeting room, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. The Parkinson Foundation (PFNCA) welcomes caregivers and family members. For more information, call Angela Robb, 703-277-9666.
Fibromyalgia/Arthritis Support Group meets the second Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m., at the Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. For more information, call Arthritis Foundation at 202-537-6800, Ext. 3026, or Barbara at 703-913-0890.
Partners of Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer Partners' Meeting. Facilitated by an oncology counselor, partners of women with metastatic breast cancer meet on a monthly basis at the Silver Diner to relate to others who are faced with similar challenges. Call Sage Bolte, MSW, breast cancer counselor, 703-208-5620, for information, including day, time and location.
The Parkinson's Foundation offers weekly support groups (previously located at the Providence Recreation Center) for patients and caregivers. They meet every Tuesday at 10 and 11 a.m., at the Lewinsville Senior Center, 1609 Great Falls St., McLean. Call 703-891-0821 if interested in joining or for more information.
Good Grief for Teens. For those 13-18, group activities and art therapy will help teenagers share thoughts and feelings about loss and help with the grief process. On Mondays, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Call for upcoming group schedule. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, Room B, Fairfax. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org to register.
Good Grief for Children 5-12 Years Old. Continuation of an eight-week group with age-appropriate activities, discussion and art therapy to help children share their thoughts and feelings and to help with the grief process. Mondays through June 6 from 5-6:15 p.m. at the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Suite 203, Room B, Fairfax. Registration is necessary. Call 703-776-2841.
TLC: Teens Living with Cancer. Monthly social activities for 13- to 18-year-olds who have cancer give them a chance to meet others with cancer, share a little, have fun. Call 703-208-5623 for details. At the Life with Cancer Family Center, 2832 Juniper St., Fairfax. Call 703-776-2841 or visit www.lifewithcancer.org.
HAVEN of Northern Virginia, 4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale, offers several ongoing, free bereavement support groups:
A general bereavement support group for anyone grieving the death of a loved one. Meets the first and third Wednesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m.
A widow/widower bereavement support group for anyone grieving the death of a spouse. One group meets the first and third Thursdays of each month, 2-3:30 p.m. An evening group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month, from 7:30-9 p.m.
A suicide survivors bereavement support group for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide meets the first Tuesday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m. A six-week suicide survivors bereavement support group begins Monday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. and is open, free of charge, to anyone who has had a loved one die by suicide. Reservations required. Call 703-941-7000 or visit www.havenofnova.org.
One-on-one support. A volunteer will meet with a person grieving the death of a loved one, as needed, to provide individual support. Volunteers will be carefully selected to match individual needs.
Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Groups are facilitated by trained group leaders, ongoing, free and open to the community. Support groups allow families to meet other caregivers, to share experiences and caregiving tips while developing coping skills. Caregivers and family members are invited to visit.
In Oakton, the group meets the third Monday of the month from 7:30 p.m. at Sunrise Senior Living (10322 Blake Lane). Call Betty Moore, group leader, at 703-255-2050, before attending for the first time. For a complete listing of Alzheimer’s Association support groups meeting throughout the National Capital Area, call toll-free 1-866-259-0042 or visit www.alz-nca.org. Support groups are subject to change. Contact the support group leader to verify date, time and location.
The Alzheimer's Association of the National Capital Area is starting a new caregiver support group that will meet on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at The Sylvestery, 1728 Kirby Road in McLean. The Sylvestery is Vinson Hall Retirement Community's new assisted living residence for the care of people with memory impairments. Barbara Adams, M.S.W., will be the support group leader.
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Hyperactivity Disorder) of Northern Virginia. A support group meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7:15 p.m., at Dolley Madison Library, 1244 Oak Ridge Ave., McLean. Contact Annette Spector, aspector@der-online.com, with questions. The support group schedule is also posted online at www.novachadd.org. For more information about these and other upcoming meetings, call 703-641-5451 or e-mail nova_chadd@hotmail.com.
The Northern Virginia Epilepsy Group meets every Wednesday, 7-8 p.m., at the Falls Church High School Career Center, Room 100, 7521 Jaguar Trail. For additional information, call 703-425-6660.
Life with Cancer Caregivers Meeting. Every Wednesday, 5:30-7 p.m. Meetings for family members to discuss and explore topics of concern including coping strategies, support, information related to cancer and more. Use Blue Garage. Meetings held at Inova Fairfax Woman's Center, radiation oncology conference room, at 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church. 703-698-2841 for registration and information.
Social Skills/Therapy Groups. In small, age-appropriate groups, children who have difficulty in social situations learn and practice appropriate behavior, such as initiating and maintaining conversation, listening, sharing, problem-solving, self-control, handling teasing, dealing with emotions, and making friends. $55-$65 per session. (May be insurance-reimbursable.) For registration, call the Jewish Social Service Agency at 703-204-9100.
Recovery Inc., a nonprofit support group for depression, bipolar disorder and other nervous diseases, meets every Friday at Boulevard Baptist Church, 7000 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church. Contact Lee, 703-777-1708.