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Sunday, November 1, 2009: 11:00 AM-12:15 PM
Sunday, November 1, 2009: 2:45 PM-4:00 PM
Sunday, November 1, 2009: 4:15 PM-5:30 PM
Monday, November 2, 2009: 1:00 PM-2:00 PM
Monday, November 2, 2009: 2:00 PM-3:15 PM
Monday, November 2, 2009: 3:30 PM-4:45 PM
Tuesday, November 3, 2009: 10:15 AM-11:30 AM
Tuesday, November 3, 2009: 11:30 AM-1:15 PM
Tuesday, November 3, 2009: 1:15 PM-2:30 PM
Tuesday, November 3, 2009: 2:45 PM-4:00 PM
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Description/Overview: The newly-diagnosed breast cancer patient is faced with a cancer diagnosis and the necessity of multiple treatment modalities to control their disease. The disease itself invokes fear, the treatment sheer dread.
When diagnosed, a breast cancer patient is often given choices as to the type of surgery, type of systemic treatment, and/or sequence of treatments. It is a time filled with multiple questions, anxiety, concerns, fear, and frustrations. A similar sequence can occur when metastatic disease is found.
Breast cancer survivors, their families, and friends remember this difficult time period and are willing to reach out to help those newly-diagnosed, or newly-metastatic patients. Support for patients and families during each phase of this disease is important to maximize patient outcomes, both psychologically and physically.
During this difficult phase, our patients receive a quilt, a breast cancer journal, tote bag, and personalized card. Efforts are made to incorporate the patient's color preferences, reinforcing a personalized approach and consideration of individual differences. Ethnic variations are provided, especially for the Asian and African-American communities. Since June 2005, over 1650 quilts have been distributed.
The gift of a hand-crafted quilt provides emotional and physical warmth. Created by survivors and distributed by the oncology health care team, this gift communicates a unique message to patients and their families....heartfelt caring for their intense emotional pain. This specific attention from the health care team enhances the nurse-patient relationship and communicates a holistic approach to care. The quilt is a symbol of warmth represented with an colorful, bright aura of energy....or, a peaceful palette of quiet hues.
Patients often write a note of profound appreciation. They comment on the quilts hanging on the walls throughout clinic, and can hardly believe that they were a recipient of such creativity and caring. Partners often report that they tuck their spouse in every night, laying the quilt on top as an ongoing symbol of support and caring.
An unexpected benefit occurred as a result of this project. In 2005, the project expanded beyond the originator's basement, a nurse practitioner on the surgical oncology team. The group, dubbed the James Stitching Sisters were able to procure rental office space.....free! They remain in this space today, which now houses 12 sewing machines, two long-arm quilting machines, and lots of fabric! Last year, this group amassed over 7900 volunteer hours. Their 4th Annual Quilt Day attracted 150 quilters.
This large group is yet another dimension of healing and support. The sewing center is a hub of activity, laughter, support, and fun! This unique support group does not sit in a circle to talk, but shares quietly while sorting fabric, cutting kits, piecing tops, or a multitude of other tasks.
The James Stitching Sisters involve the community through Girl Scouts, quilt guilds, quilt shops, and even a senior citizen group. These elderly ladies hand bind each quilt, finishing each creation with that last loving touch before passing it on to someone in need.
Learner Objective #1: The learner will be able to visualize an art object that provides physical and emotional warmth.
Learner Objective #2: The learner will be able to conceptualize alternative methods of communication and caring.
Presenter
Joanne Lester, PhD, CRNP, ANP-BC, AOCN, Nursing, James Cancer Hospital / College of Nursing / The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
See more of: Creative Arts Submissions - Heart of Nursing