Healing Connections is a virtual group program for patients who have had breast cancer surgery.
The program is designed to support you as you move through your cancer treatment. It includes sessions on emotional, social, nutritional and physical health. These sessions are led by dietitians, physical therapists and occupational therapists.
Each session includes education, information about community supports and opportunities for you to ask questions. You can choose to attend the sessions that will best support you and work with your schedule.
Eligibility
Anyone who has had breast cancer surgery in the Edmonton Zone can self-register for the program. You must be a resident of Alberta and be in the province when attending.
Session topics
Nutrition (Tuesdays)
Our registered dietitian will teach you about healthy eating after breast cancer surgery to help you heal. You will also learn about the side effects of cancer treatment related to nutrition along with food myths.
Physical therapy (Wednesdays)
Our physical therapists lead exercise sessions that include feedback.
Level 1
This session covers information on regaining shoulder movement after surgery and how to safely stretch and exercise at home. Other topics include proper posture and how to massage a scar.
Level 2
This session builds on the stretching exercises from Level 1. We also show you how to do strengthening exercises.
You can receive assessment and treatments as an outpatient at the Misericordia Community Hospital. Your treatment may qualify for funding from Alberta Health Services if you had surgery within the last 12 weeks.
Occupational therapy (every second Thursday)
Our occupational therapist will teach you about lymphedema, energy conservation, mental and emotional health and sexual health.
Schedule
| Session | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrition | Every second Tuesday | 12:30 - 2 p.m. |
| Physical therapy | Wednesdays | 12:30 - 2 p.m. |
| Occupational therapy | Every second Thursday | 12:30 - 2 p.m. |
Each session includes check-in and registration, a presentation and time for questions.
Registration
You can register for the sessions you feel would be most helpful to you. You have four weeks to complete your session(s).
You can register before your surgery, but you cannot start the program until one week after your surgery.
Zoom
We offer our sessions through Zoom, an online meeting platform. You will receive invites that allow you to phone into a session or join using your computer. For physical therapy sessions, you will need to use a computer that has a microphone and webcam.
How to register
Call 780.735.2757 and be prepared to provide your:
- provincial health number
- email address
- choice of sessions
After you register
Once you register for a session, you will receive two emails. The first will explain how to use Zoom, and the second will include your Zoom meeting invites.
Contact
Phone: 780.735.2757
Fax: 780.735.2621
Peer support group
The Healing Connections peer support group offers a safe and secure drop-in space for adults aged 18 years and older who have recently been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and are undergoing treatment. Led by a nurse facilitator and joined by peers or former patients, the group provides support, shared experiences, and connection.
Eligibility
The group is open to adults who are:
- 18 and older
- Alberta residents in the surgery and/or treatment phase for breast cancer and receiving their care in Edmonton
There is no registration or fee to attend the group.
Schedule
The group runs weekly on Tuesdays, excluding statutory holidays, from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Contact
Location
Wellspring Alberta — Edmonton House
11306-65 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB
The location offers free parking and is wheelchair accessible.
Contact
Phone: 780.735.2757
Resources
Nurse consultant
The Healing Connections nurse consultant supports patients after their breast cancer surgery by offering extra help and resources. You can choose to be contacted after your surgery.
The nurse consultant provides personalized information based on your physical, emotional, and social needs. This includes sharing details about Healing Connections programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and nutrition.
Hours
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Contact
Jessica Cortes, nurse consultant
Phone: 587.983.6821
Nutrition
| Resource | Source | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Eating well after breast cancer | Canadian Cancer Society | Webpage |
| Healthy eating | Covenant Health | Presentation |
| Nutrition and Breast Cancer | Alberta Health Services | |
| Nutrition information | BC Cancer | Webpage |
| Nutrition Myths and Cancer Class | Alberta Health Services | Class |
| Nutrition Services in Alberta | Alberta Health Services | Webpage |
| Recipes for healthy eating | Alberta Health Services | Webpage |
| The High Protein Cookbook for Muscle Health During Cancer Treatment | University of Alberta | Digital cookbook (free) |
| Treatment side effects (9:45) | Covenant Health | Presentation |
Physical therapy
| Resource | Source | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Aerobic exercises (6:20) | Covenant Health | Presentation |
| Alberta Cancer Exercise | Alberta Health Services | Class |
| Arm and shoulder exercises | MyHealth Alberta | Video |
| Axillary web syndrome (stretches and exercises) | Alberta Health Services | |
| Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) course | Cross Cancer Institute | Class |
| Physiotherapy Breast Class for Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy | Alberta Health Services | Class |
| ROM and posture (11:00) | Covenant Health | Presentation |
| Scar massage | MyHealth Alberta | Video |
| Strengthening (7:20) | Covenant Health | Presentation |
Occupational therapy
| Resources | Source | Format |
|---|---|---|
| At Home: What to Watch For | MyHealth Alberta | Webpage |
| Cancer and Sexuality | MyHealth Alberta | Webpage |
| Cancer-Related Fatigue video series | MyHealth Alberta | Video |
| Energize—Cancer-Related Fatigue Education | Cross Cancer Institute | Class |
| Fertility and You | Alberta Health Services | |
| How to Manage Cancer-Related Fatigue | Alberta Health Services | |
| Look Good Feel Better | Cross Cancer Institute | Class |
| Low Sexual Desire | Alberta Health Services | |
| Lowdown on Down There | Cross Cancer Institute | Class |
| Lymphedema, energy conservation and mental/ emotional health (10:57) | Covenant Health | Video |
| Making the Most of Your Time and Energy | Alberta Health Services | |
| Sexual Health and Cancer | Alberta Health Services | |
| Sexual Health Information for Women | Alberta Health Services | |
| Sexual Health Resources | Alberta Health Services |
Feature story
Covenant Health partners with Wellspring to host Healing Connections group
Healing Connections’ move to Wellspring location offers a nurturing community for breast cancer patients seeking comfort and solidarity.
ReadFebruary 06, 2024
