Patient Experience and Resources at Roswell Park

When diagnosed with cancer, it can feel as though your life has been turned upside down. Suddenly, your calendar is filled with appointments, scans, tests, and treatments, on top of the emotional toll of grappling with a cancer diagnosis. Feelings of fear, anxiety, and stress can become overwhelming. The battle to survive cancer becomes a central concern, not just for you, but for your loved ones as well.
But what if you could do more than just survive your cancer journey? What if you could thrive? Emphasizing wellness might be the key.
*Harmonizing Wellness*
Decades of research have demonstrated that enhancing a patient's well-being can significantly improve their overall health. Wellness encompasses several life aspects - intellectual, social, physical, spiritual, occupational (including financial), emotional, and environmental. Adopting wellness as a lifestyle seeks to harmonize these elements, ensuring they contribute equally to our overall health. This balance is often illustrated through the "Wellness Wheel."
*The Wellness Wheel*
Understanding that focusing on anything other than your cancer is challenging, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center prioritizes the wellness of our patients and their families. Our Wellness Program invites our community to participate in enriching activities that promote wellness balance. From culinary arts to painting to meditation, there's something for everyone:
- **Intellectual Wellness**: Our Wellness Wednesday series features local experts discussing a wide range of topics relevant to patients, including lymphedema massage, sexual health, organic skincare, and tips for better sleep. Our webinars offer insights into various subjects.
- **Social Wellness**: In the Covid era, connecting patients and families for social support has been challenging. However, virtual resources like CancerConnect offer a platform for connection. Patients can also request a cancer coach for peer mentorship.
- **Physical Wellness**: We offer yoga and qi gong classes, tailored by instructors with specialized oncology training to meet participants' needs. Live cooking demonstrations teach healthy nutritional choices.
- **Spiritual Wellness**: Mindfulness meditation sessions are open to all, contributing to spiritual wellness at Roswell Park. Our interfaith Spiritual Care team provides personalized support for patients and caregivers.
- **Occupational Wellness**: Life coaching courses assist participants in discovering their passions and values. Roswell Park’s financial assistance program helps families manage the costs associated with cancer care.
- **Emotional Wellness**: The Resource Center is a starting point for those seeking an emotional lift, offering support and connection options. Our social work team is available for further mental health and emotional support.
- **Environmental Wellness**: Enjoy the tranquility of Kaminski Park or the Marie, Maria and Michael Bogner, Sr. Patient Terrace. Engage with nature to find peace or join our Paint Nights for a vibrant, fun activity that reminds us joy can be part of the journey.
By integrating these wellness dimensions, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center supports our patients and their families in finding balance and strength throughout their cancer journey.