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Patient Empowerment |
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The PATIENT EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM (PEP) addresses the emotional aspect of dealing
with a mastectomy and breast reconstruction as a result of a cancer diagnosis or
for risk reducing purposes. It is our belief that support is an integral part of
the total healing process and of treating the whole being. This unique and
comprehensive program has been designed to offer the support that is critical to
coping with the treatment plan and with the adjustments that follow the
reconstruction process. It is a partnership that is established to accompany
women and their significant others through this journey.
The Core Program involves:
• Initial meeting
The Clinical Director meets with patients and their
significant others for an evaluation of their emotional needs.
• Connecting Patients with our Patient to Patient Caring Team
The beginning of
the cancer journey is overwhelming and is coupled with concern and anxiety of
the unknown. Many of our patients offer to share their stories and breast
reconstruction with others, a true gift and a “pay it forward” experience. The
Patient to Patient Caring Team members are matched by our staff with individuals
who are planning to undergo similar breast reconstruction procedures.
• Pre-Operative Guided Imagery and Relaxation Techniques Sessions
Relaxation
techniques, coupled with guided imagery, have proven to be extremely beneficial
during the reconstruction process. Having the tools to cope with powerful stages
of life can help you to move through them with a greater sense of control and
lower stress levels. Anesthesiologists and breast surgeons involved in the
reconstructive surgery with our physicians have reported that patients who have
elected to participate in this service are significantly more relaxed going into
the operating room and consequently, find that it has impacted the ease of
anesthesia.
• Sisterhood of Support (S•O•S) Laugh, cry, and feel safe to share your feelings
in this nurturing environment that focuses on processing the multitude of
emotions that surface while facing a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The
road to coping with the overwhelming issues related to a breast cancer diagnosis
is a difficult journey. It is not unusual for women to struggle with seeing
beyond the present or with recapturing their sense of “self”. While family,
partners, and friends can offer tremendous support, women frequently find
themselves wearing a “mask” to protect those around them. The groups offer an
opportunity for support from others who are going through a similar process.
• Spouse Breakfast Meeting We also provide the opportunity for the
partners/spouses of our breast reconstruction patients to come together as a
group to share their experiences and to openly express their concerns in a safe
and confidential environment. Both individuals in the relationship are impacted
by the breast diagnosis and subsequent reconstruction process. Guiding partners
to learn to listen to feelings and fears, to understand the various treatments,
and to discuss their level of involvement in the surrounding the illness is
extremely helpful to the couple. Group meets once/month.
In addition to the Core Program, complimentary Workshops and Lectures and
specialized Class Series (Creative Writing, Relaxation Techniques) are always
being created to meet the needs of our patients. Workshops have been offered on
such topics as:
“The Magic of Reclaiming Yourself”
“Understanding Menopause and Chemo-Induced Menopause”
“New-Trients to Help Prevent Cancer Recurrence”
“ The Practice of Joy”
Mollie Sugarman, Clinical Director of our Patient Empowerment Program (PEP), has
an extensive background working with individuals coping with various life and
health issues. She brings to our practice over forty years of experience
developing programs that promote wellness, health education, and support for
individuals, couples, and families facing life challenges. She strongly believes
that a nurturing environment is vital to dealing with the myriad of emotions one
experiences when facing a cancer diagnosis and traveling the journey thereafter.
Combining her art and psychology background, Mollie initiated the first Art
Therapy Program at Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital/NYU Medical Center and
participated in their psychiatric residency training program. In 1971, she was
invited to join the staff of New York Medical College at Metropolitan Hospital
to serve as the Director of Creative Therapies/Department of Psychiatry. There
she also participated in the psychiatric residency training program. Mollie was
the first non-M.D. to be invited to present in the Psychiatric Grand Rounds on
her individual work with a psychiatric patient coping with end-stage chronic
illness. In 1972, she received an appointment as an Instructor of Psychiatry at
NY Medical College where she conducted a lecture series in couple’s therapy and
supervised psychiatric residents in group therapy, art psychotherapy, and
co-therapy. In 1973, she was awarded an Honorarium from the Psychiatric Society
of NY Medical College.
Her private practices in New York City, Michigan, and New Jersey focused on
individuals dealing with serious illnesses, difficult life transitions, and
couples’ issues. Subsequent to this, Mollie developed an extensive Wellness
Program that fostered physical and emotional health. Within this program, she
also worked with women who were in the process of diagnostic testing for breast
cancer, conducted support groups, assisted males and females with their anxiety
related to diagnostic testing, and conducted a community health education
program. Mollie is also trained as a divorce mediator and has over fifteen years
experience in that field.
Mollie has a truly special commitment and passion for assisting individuals
managing a cancer diagnosis as they re-assess priorities and move forward in
life. Her range of personal and professional experiences offers our patients the
support that is an integral part of the total healing process. Ask her, and
she’ll be glad to share with you how her work has enriched her life.
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