Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center
Support Groups and Classes
New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300
We have strong relationships with resources in the community, and if you are not seeing the resource you were looking for, please contact us at SCCCSupport@utsouthwestern.edu to ensure we connect you to trusted programs in your area or online.
Prior registration is required for all support groups and classes. To sign up, please email the listed group or class facilitator.
Virtual Lunch and Learn: Immunotherapy
Join Isaac Chan, M.D., Ph.D., for an informative talk on immunotherapy and the great strides being made in this field for cancer care. Dr. Chan specializes in immunotherapy, breast cancer, and metastatic cancer. In addition to treating patients, he leads one of our basic science labs researching how to use the body’s immune system to eliminate cancer.
Who: UT Southwestern patients and caregivers
When: Friday, June 9, 2023
Time: Noon - 1 p.m.
Where: The online Zoom platform will be used. Register online.
For more information, please contact Cancer Support Services at SCCCSupport@utsouthwestern.edu or 469-852-0270
Breast Cancer Survivorship Group
This is an online program available with ongoing enrollment to help address the topics patients encounter after they finish active treatment. This series of six classes aims to help you with your breast cancer survivorship and future health. Topics include understanding your personalized survivorship plan, nutrition, physical activity, integrative medicine, stress management, sexual functioning after treatment, and fear of recurrence/personal growth.
Who: This class is designed for patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer (stages I-III) and completed their active treatment in the last two years.
When: Select dates in 2023.
Time: TBA
Where: The online Zoom platform will be used. Meeting invitation and further details will be provided with registration.
Facilitator: Groups are led by breast team social worker and nurse navigators, with expert guest speakers.
For more information or to register, please contact SCCCSupport@utsouthwestern.edu or your social worker.
Life After Transplant
Come together to share your journey and learn from others as you navigate survivorship.
Who: Autologous and allogeneic, and CAR-T transplant patients.
When: Third Friday of every month.
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: These events will meet virtually.
Facilitator: These events are being held virtually, please email if interested in participating. Contact Sharon Tavenner, LCSW, at Sharon.Tavenner@UTSouthwestern.edu.
New Patient Connections Class for Breast Cancer
This orientation class serves to introduce newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients to the comprehensive care of SCCC’s Supportive Services team. Patients are educated on how each member may be helpful during treatment as well as what to expect in the first few weeks or month of care. Patients are referred to this orientation by their Nurse Navigator.
Who: Patients who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer or new to breast cancer care at UT Southwestern.
When: Twice monthly, date and time varies.
Time: TBA
Where: These events will meet virtually, and new patients will need to be registered to attend.
For more information or to register, please contact SCCCSupport@utsouthwestern.edu or your nurse navigator.
Pancreatic Pre-Surgery Class
This class covers commonly asked questions around pancreatic surgery and includes nutrition and exercise recommendations as well as spiritual and emotional support available. Members of the supportive services team including a social worker, chaplain, dietitian, and a cancer exercise trainer will be available during this virtual class. Your surgical team will refer you to this class.
Who: Patients with a scheduled pancreatic surgery
When: Every second and fourth Wednesday of the month
Time: 11 a.m. - noon
Where: These events will meet virtually, and patients need to be scheduled to attend.
Facilitator: Shelli Hardy, MCN, RD, CSO, LD, at 214-645-5673 or Shelli.Hardy@UTSouthwestern.edu.
Pancreatic Orientation
This orientation serves to introduce newly-diagnosed pancreatic cancer patients to the comprehensive care of SCCC's Supportive Services team. Patients are educated on how each service – such as social work, dietician, and chaplain – may be helpful during treatment. Patients are referred to this orientation by their Nurse Navigator.
Who: Patients who are newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer or who have come to clinic for a second opinion
When: Every Thursday
Time: 11 a.m. - noon
Where: These events will meet virtually, and new patients will need to be scheduled to attend.
Facilitator: Anne Stoecklin, LCSW, at 214-645-5589 or Anne.Stoecklin@UTSouthwestern.edu.
GU New Patient Orientation
This orientation serves to introduce new UTSW patients with genitourinary cancer(s) to the comprehensive care of SCCC's Supportive Services team. Patients are educated on how each service – such as social work, dietician, chaplain, and music therapy – may be helpful during their medical journey with UTSW. Patients are referred to this orientation by the social worker.
Who: Patients who are newly diagnosed with a GU cancer or who have come to clinic for a second opinion
When: Second Thursday of every month
Time: 11 a.m. - noon
Where: These events will meet virtually, and new patients will need to register to attend.
Facilitator: Jennifer Law, LMSW, at 214-648-9183 or Jennifer.Law@UTSouthwestern.edu.
Spiritual Support & Community Gathering
Join board-certified chaplains Tammy Wynn and Sylvia Artiles for casual conversation and community support. Persons of all faiths – and no faith – are welcome. We encourage open sharing and do not endorse any specific faith, institution, or cause.
Who: Open to all Simmons patients and caregivers
When: Fourth Friday of most months
Time: 10 - 11 a.m.
Where: These events will meet virtually.
Facilitator: These events are held virtually. Please email SimmonsSpiritualSupport@utsouthwestern.edu if interested in participating. Or RSVP here.
Writing Through Cancer: An Expressive Writing Course
This course provides a supportive environment where patients can explore their thoughts and emotions through writing. Through a guided process, participants are encouraged to put their experiences into words, express their feelings, and make sense of their journey. The class will cover a range of writing techniques and is tailored to meet the unique needs of cancer patients. The goal of this course is to provide a safe and supportive space where participants can find a sense of hope and healing through the power of writing.
Who: Patients, both active and in remission. There is no minimum skill level required to participate.
When: Every other Wednesday starting April 12 - June 21.
Time: Noon - 1 p.m.
Where: These events will meet virtually, and new patients will need to be scheduled to attend.
Facilitator: Please RSVP to Samantha Dean, Ph.D., at Samantha.Dean@UTSouthwestern.edu
Young Adult Support
Who: Social and supportive meetup for young adult cancer survivors ages 18-39
When: Last Tuesday of every month
Next support group: In-person - Last Tuesday every month. Virtual - Last Wednesday of each month. **Subject to change
Time: 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Support group meetings will be offered virtually and in person.
Facilitator: Please RSVP to Alex Huffman, LCSW, OSW-C, youngadults@utsouthwestern.edu
Classes
Healthy Eating for Cancer Survivorship
Join us via Zoom for a virtual class on healthy eating that meets every Tuesday for six weeks. Improve your diet and learn how healthy eating can be stress-free and facilitate weight management. Topics include mindful eating, label reading, plant-based meals, dining out, meal planning, motivational tools, a virtual grocery tour, and so much more. You can also view our side effect management resources and nutrition guidelines anytime.
Who: Open to all Simmons Cancer Patients. The class has an emphasis on long-term survivorship and weight maintenance.
When: Next class will be September 2023.
Where: These classes are held virtually over Zoom. If interested in participating, please email Kathleen Bradford at Kathleen.Bradford@utsouthwestern.edu or RSVP here. All reminders and information will be sent via email.