September Discussion Series:
In Treatment
Wednesdays from 5:00 - 6:30 pm ET
Be Your Own Advocate
Facilitator: Julia Leavitt, LCSW
Wednesday, September 8
As a patient suddenly thrust into the world of oncology, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and isolated. There is jargon to learn, decisions to be made, and it’s all happening fast. One thing you’ll learn right away: as you navigate your cancer, you have to be your own best advocate. This session will provide tools to better build and communicate with your care team, help you ask questions to make informed decisions, and allow you to talk with other AYAs going through the same thing to share best practices.
Fertility Preservation
Facilitator: Julia Leavitt, LCSW
Wednesday, September 15
Young people dealing with cancer have many additional burdens that older patients don’t face, and fertility issues are at the top of that list. Decisions about parenthood may not have been on your radar before treatment, but now you need to grapple with this topic whether you’re ready or not. This honest conversation with other patients will help address some of your questions about fertility preservation and provide a space to cope with the confusion, loss, or disappointment that can come with compromised or lost fertility.
Sponsored by:
Managing Treatment Effects
Facilitator: Brittany Hall, Ph.D
Wednesday, September 22
Side effects of cancer treatments will vary depending on your treatment plan, but none of them are very fun. From hair loss to weight gain to chemo brain…the effects can be very distressing. This discussion will address what to expect and how to cope with treatment effects, as well as create an opportunity to share your fears, frustrations, and self care strategies with peers that get it.
Preparing for What Comes Next
Facilitator: Julia Leavitt, LCSW
Wednesday, September 29
Unfortunately, the end of treatment is not the end of your cancer experience…many survivors report the transition after treatment to be their most challenging time. Feelings of relief may mix with feelings of confusion, sadness, and guilt. Join this open, exploratory discussion to learn about survivorship care planning and how to best support your mental health, while building community with other patients to prepare for what comes next.
Thank you to our September Discussion Series sponsor:
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION SESSION POLICIES BEFORE YOU REGISTER:
1) Attendance at each session will be capped at 25 participants, with priority to those who register for multiple sessions. Registration does not guarantee a spot; you may be placed on a wait list. We will follow up via email to confirm your registration or your spot on the waitlist, and links to each session will be sent one week in advance.
2) If you are no longer able to attend a session, email programs@stupidcancer.org to cancel as soon as possible so we can admit someone on the waitlist. Any “no shows” without notice will forfeit their spot at all future sessions in the series.
3) Due to the sensitive nature of the Discussion Series, you must log into sessions on time, with video, from a quiet, private space. We strongly encourage you to log on using a computer or a tablet, rather than a phone.
3a. Late arrivals will not be admitted more than 10 minutes after the session start time. Please note that all times are listed in Eastern Time.
3b. Attendees must participate with video for the full session. If you are not comfortable turning on your camera, you will be asked to leave the session.Â
3c. If you are in a shared space, headphones are required for the full 90 minutes session to maintain confidentiality and show respect for fellow participants.
4) All participants agree to respect and follow the Stupid Cancer Digital Programs Code of Conduct, which can be found here: stpdcn.cr/coc
Questions? Email programs@stupidcancer.org.