PRE-OPERATIVE EDUCATION SESSIONS

Pre-Operative Education Sessions are geared toward those scheduled to undergo surgery for breast cancer. Sessions are co-hosted by Breast Cancer Action in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society and the Women's Breast Health Centre. Delivery of these interactive, informative sessions alternate between the Breast Cancer Action's post-diagnosis support and resource centre located at 739A Ridgewood Avenue, and the Canadian Cancer Society at 1745 Woodward Drive. (For information pertaining to the sessions hosted at the Canadian Cancer Society, please contact (613) 723-1744 direct.)

Due to limited space, pre-registration for the session is required. Please reserve your seat by contacting Mary Ann LaSalle, Women's Breast Health Center, (613) 798-5555, Extension # 16384 at least two days in advance of the date of your choice.

2010 DATES
See Calendar for dates

For many of those diagnosed with breast cancer, the prospect of facing surgery can be a stressful and frightening experience.  Now, you can attend an informative pre-operative information session to not only help you prepare for the surgery mentally, but to offer you helpful information to aid in the healing process.

During these sessions, participants will learn from a registered nurse about:  preparation for the surgery, including how to ensure they have the prescriptions and medication required post-surgery.  The nurse will discuss post-operative procedures including how to empty drains, when to expect visits from the VON, signs to look for if there is a need to see a doctor, and so forth.  The nurse will go into detail about which exercises are to be done immediately following the surgery, and for the weeks to come.  A member of Breast Cancer Action (and a breast cancer survivor herself) will talk about her diagnosis and how she managed, in her own way, to navigate the often complicated breast cancer pathway.  Further, she will present the role of BCA in our community, as well as discuss the BCA exercise program available to members, our resource and information services and the benefits of an active membership.  A social worker will then discuss the emotional aspects of a diagnosis of breast cancer on the patient, as well as on her family and friends.  These information sessions are informal and participants are encouraged to interact and ask questions at any time during the presentation.

The outreach sessions, available free to charge, are held every two weeks on a Thursday, either at the Canadian Cancer Society or at the Breast Cancer Action post-diagnosis support and resource centre.   Pre-registration for the session is required due to limited space.  Participants are encouraged to bring a guest with them.

For further information, please contact either Breast Cancer Action or register direct by calling the Women's Breast Health Center (613) 798-5555, extension # 16384.