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Support for Lung Cancer Patients and Caregivers

Recorded on 4/26/2007

PROGRAM DETAILS:

Navigating the emotional and clinical journey after being diagnosed with cancer is difficult for both patients and their loved ones. Often people are inundated with information and individuals who want to help, and it can almost feel like more work to try and figure it all out. On this Patient Power program, Andrew Schorr is joined by an oncology social worker, Win Boerchel, who coordinates the Lung Cancer Program for CancerCare, a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services for anyone affected by cancer.

Mr. Boerchel explains to listeners what support services, including telephone-based and online counseling, as well as face-to-face counseling within the Tri-State New York metropolitan region, are offered by CancerCare. These are designed for both cancer patients and their friends and family. CancerCare also helps patients and their families understand medical terminology and locate Center’s of Excellence in their particular diagnosis.

During the program, Mr. Boerchel discusses how many patients and families reach a point where they feel overloaded with information. Listen as he offers advice and gives people permission to say, “Thanks, but no thanks” without feeling guilty. He discusses how to navigate task delegation so that it is helpful and both the caregiver and patient feel comfortable. Andrew and Mr. Boerchel suggest ways to discuss a parent’s cancer diagnosis with their children as well.

The services at CancerCare are free, and Mr. Boerckel offers this advice, “Calling for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s actually a sign of strength that you’re able to assess your situation and say, you know, I can’t handle all this by myself.” If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, this Patient Power program will help to connect you with others who can help you to navigate this journey.

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EXPERTS & GUESTS:
Winfield Boerckel, MSW, MBA, LCSW-R
Lung Cancer Program Coordinator, CancerCare
Mr. Boerckel serves as the Program Director of CancerCare’s LIVESTRONG & National Relations Program. He holds an MBA from Michigan State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University, and worked as a social worker at Western Queens Community Hospital before joining CancerCare. more >

TRANSCRIPT:

  1. Introduction
  2. Cancer Care Services
  3. Information Overload: How to Absorb What is Most Important
  4. Delegating: Good for the Caregiver and Patient
  5. Explaining Cancer to Children
  6. Older Parents and Cancer
  7. Finding the Strength to Call
  8. Facilitating Better Communication
  9. Conclusion

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