Cancer Survivors’ Book Club to Start in October

RBOI is launching a six-week book club focused on getting your life back on track after cancer treatment. The group will use the book Picking up the Pieces as the basis for their discussions, facilitated by licensed clinical social workers, Wendy Hall and Amy Roberts.

“The data shows that a majority of cancer survivors feel lost, left behind or abandoned after their treatment phase,” explains Amy. “I saw this first-hand with my own patients here at RBOI, who often call several months after treatment and say they are experiencing anxiety and difficulty.”

Amy and Wendy outlined the six-week program based on a book recommended by other oncology social workers. Picking Up the Pieces: Moving Forward After Surviving Cancer, by Sherri Magee, PhD and Kathy Scalzo, MS OD, is a reassuring and insightful guide that presents a unique four-phase approach to continuing recovery, including expert advice and relatable patient stories.

Barbra Brettman, cancer survivor, participated in an earlier session of the book club. “I was skeptical about the book club at first, but I knew I needed something to help me,” Barbra says. “When you finish cancer treatment, everyone around you expects life to go back to normal, but that just doesn’t happen.”

Barbra explains cancer treatment as a personal experience, no matter how much support you have from family and friends. Treatment is a regimen that involves frequent visits to providers and bonding with others in the waiting room. When it is over, you’re left at loose ends, she says, with nothing to draw on to move forward.

“We started this book club as a way to help people heal emotionally, spiritually and socially,” Amy says. “The camaraderie in the group enhances the experience, and we see strong bonds of friendship forming among the participants.”

The six-week book club, conducted virtually via Zoom, is open to anyone in our community who has completed their initial cancer treatment, free of charge compliments of RBOI. To register for the session beginning October 1, call or email Amy at aroberts@rboi.com or 352-732-0277.