The Story of the John LeVay Cancer Information Centre
| The Centre is open from 8.30 to 4.30 Monday to Friday
Support Groups
Living with and beyond Cancer - Down on the Farm at Downham Cottage. The experience of cancer could be the opportunity to seek out new activities and make positive changes in your life. For full details of whats on offer at Downham Cottage. Please click below
Living with and beyond Cancer - 'On your bike' run in conjunction with Anglia Cancer Network and Cycle Suffolk. One hour organised gentle cycle ride
Moving on with the HOPE course - A programme for people who have completed their cancer treatment. Promotes healthy eating, managing fatigue, dealing with stress, fears and worries
Up and Active Swimming Group - Swimming is acknowledged as a very good way of taking exercise after cancer treatment. Groups are held fortnightly on a Wednesday morning at Best Western Ufford Park
Mick Whiley tells us his thoughts after attending The Moving On Programme When you are diagnosed with cancer you think that's it and how do l tell my family. Whilst the doctors and nurses were great they cannot give you the time and level of support you need. This we got from the John LeVay Cancer Support unit at Ipswich Hospital which is supported by Cancer Campaign in Suffolk. My wife and I both took part in the 'Moving On' programme which was really, really helpful. A cancer diagnosis comes as such a bombshell. After the roller-coaster of all the surgery and treatment I was physically recovering but mentally we were both lost and confused. Although it wasn't always easy to talk about things, we felt completely supported. I also think it was very important that we could do it together as a cancer diagnosis affects your whole family. The unit, with it's complimentary therapies gave us hope and support to face the future. When my dad told me he had cancer my stomach sank and I thought the worst, suddenly everything else seemed unimportant and pointless. We stuck together as a family and 'being there' was all we could do. The hardest part for myself was that I knew there was nothing I could do to help him and no matter how much I tried to support him I would never truly understand what he was going through or how it felt. Last summer dad had the news that his blood test came back free of cancer cells and it felt like a huge weight and dark time had disappeared. I felt like it was over and we could forget about it, what I didn't realise was that although dad was physically repairing, mentally he seemed distant and I saw that this had changed him. This is when he and mum took comfort, guidance and support from the 'Moving On' programme. From frequent sessions and going together they've learnt to deal with it, cope and find ways to move on again. I feel incredibly grateful that this charity has helped my dad in ways that I couldn't. The abseil is my way of raising money and helping this fantastic charity to carry on helping others. www.justgiving.com/gemmawhiley
If you would like to call the John LeVay Cancer Information Centre before you visit or wish to make an appointment the telephone number is 01473 715748.The concept of a centre devoted to offering the best information and support for cancer patients, their families, friends and carers came from a conversation between an Ipswich Town footballer Jason Cundy, who was being treated for Testicular Cancer, and his oncologist. The CCIS John LeVay Cancer Information Centre at Ipswich Hospital NHS is run by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers. Factual, up-to-date information can make an enormous difference to anyone affected by cancer, including family and friends. Such valuable advice can help to dispel some of the fears and myths about the disease, and is freely available from the centre. We offer a vast range of printed information on all types of cancer and treatments. Ongoing fundraising means that we are able to purchase high quality information booklets from specialist organisations. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters including local businesses we have two comfortable interview rooms where patients, relatives and carers can receive emotional support and advice in private from trained professionals on request. The third interview room has been specially equipped so that specially trained staff can offer a range of Complimentary Therapies including Reflexology and Aromatherapy. This is an ongoing service that the charity continues to raise funds for.
Our staff also organise ‘Pamper Days’ from time to time when patients can find out about and experience a variety of ‘non medical’ treatments that are designed to give patients a treat and to lift spirits at a time when it is most needed. In addition to a drop in service, appointments can be made to see our Cancer Information Nurse Specialists. Our Nurses also visit patients in hospital so may not be available at all times, although we do have a team of volunteers who are able to deal with some questions. On occasions when the centre is not open, or a member of staff is not available to speak to you an answerphone service is provided - please be assured that your call will be returned as soon as possible. The John LeVay Cancer Information Centre saw its 5th Anniversary on Wednesday 21 October 2009
|
The John LeVay Cancer Information Centreclick to enlarge ... |
) "Cancer Information Centre")
) "Cancer Information Centre")
) "Cancer Information Centre")