by Phyllis Parker
Abreast A River Team Member

Breast cancer patients and survivors will live with that cancer for the remainder of their lives so knowing what is in their minds will be an important part of their treatment, care and future. A phrase we often hear with regard to many aspect of family life is quality time. Quality of life or quality time becomes a very important subject for patient, survivor and caregivers.

Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and drug theray all take a toll on how an individual feels. For new survivors "returning to normal" may not occur for a while. Some people "bounce back" more quickly but others will not. Learning to cope with the "new normal" can sometimes be a hard and a long lesson. Today, support groups, workshops and retreats have been developed to assist with or offer methods that may help.

Dr. Rob Rutledge who is a Radiation Oncologist with the Capital Health Cancer care Program has been exploring the importance of the psychological aspects of disease and healing for many years. He asks "How can you heal when you are scared? ... when you're facing financial, physical, relationship and other changes."

Dr. Rutledge along with Dr Timothy Walker periodically conduct workshops called " Skills for Healing" They are often week-end retreats where cancer patients and their families learn to deal with emotional issues, including fear and anger. Dr. Rutledge states that the first step for any caregiver is to really listen, acknowledge how the person feels, and then reassure them that the feelings are perfectly natural and normal.

Everyone accepts that nutrition and exercise keep us healthy and help us heal. Now the psychological aspects of disease and healing are being recognized and utilized as well.

A new facility in the Aylesford Lake area near Kentville in the Annapolis Valley is being developed with these aspects of healing in mind. The Brigadoon Children's Camp is a year-round residential camp for children and youth living with a chronic illness. Dr. Rutledge is hoping to create wellness workshops and retreats for breast cancer patients at this facility during times when it is not being used for children's needs.

Women Alike have held many retreats at the Tim Horton Camp in Tatamagouche. They have always been a great source of information and relaxation for many breast cancer survivors. An event run by Dr. Rutledge would certainly be a welcome addition on any breast cancer survivors calendar.

Note: information on Dr. Rob Rutledge used in this column has been obtained from his web-site. To access his information on WWW type in his name and Nova Scotia.......this should provide you with much information on his work.

Other News.......

On May 14 at the Stellarton Campus of the Community College from 9am until 4pm another Passport to Health takes place. About 100 local groups associated with improving the well-being of the people of Pictou County will be in attendance with booths and presentations. There will be something for everyone so come as a family, enjoy the day and become informed about the many organizations in our area. Great Prizes too!! 2500 people visited the last Passport to Health in 2008. We hope even more will attend this year's event.

The docks are going in at Crabbe J's Marina in New Glasgow. Abreast A River members are looking forward to another season of paddling on the East River. Any breast cancer survivor who might be interested is invited to join us. Call Phyllis at 752-1207 if you would like further information.

For further information on cancer call the Canadian Cancer Society Information Line at 1-888-939-3333