Breast Cancer, ‘Look Good, Feel Better’ Sessions Set For May

Danbury — Biweekly breast cancer education classes will be conducted at The Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital on Wednesday, May 10, and Wednesday, May 24, from 4 to 5:30 pm. Classes are open to any woman newly diagnosed with breast cancer who plans to undergo or recently received breast cancer surgery.

These classes are held in the Ruth C. Donovan Resource Room Library, located on the first floor, Stroock Building, Locust Avenue entrance. Family and friends are also invited to attend to learn more about what to expect before and after breast cancer surgery, including pre- and postoperative care, lymphedema precautions and exercise, relaxation techniques, as well as information about local sup-port services.

Instructors include oncology health care professionals, a complementary medicine coordinator, a surgical staff nurse, an occupational therapist, and volunteers from Bridges; a program established by the Community Cancer Collaborative (The American Cancer Society, Ann’s Place, The Home of I Can, and The Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital) that connects newly diagnosed breast cancer patients to breast cancer survivors.

In addition, The Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital and the American Cancer Society (ACS) are cosponsoring a “Look Good…Feel Better” Workshop at Danbury Hospital on Monday, May 8, from 10 am to noon. The free workshop takes place at The Praxair Cancer Center conference room, which is located on the first floor of the Stroock Building, Locust Avenue entrance.

“Look Good…Feel Better” Workshops focus on teaching female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Trained volunteer beauty experts from the community lead small groups through practical, hands-on experience regarding makeup techniques, skin care, nail care, and options related to hair loss such as wigs, turbans, and scarves. Each program participant receives a free kit of cosmetics for use during and after the workshop.

“Look Good … Feel Better” workshops are conducted at Danbury Hospital on the second Monday of each month. For details or registration information for cancer education programs and services call cancer care coordinator Joanne Ballerini, RN, at 797-7771, or go to www.danburyhospital.org and click on the “Cancer” tab.