METASTATIC & ADVANCED CANCER a.k.a. LIFER

Living and coping with metastatic or advanced cancer as a young adult is very scary, overwhelming and challenging both physically and emotionally.

Our programs can help.

WHAT WE OFFER…

RETREATS

CancerFightClub hosts a winter retreat completely free of charge for young adults with cancer as well as their supporters. It is open to those living in Montreal and the surrounding areas as well as Ottawa and Quebec. This three day getaway is designed to help you get away from all it all and rejuvenate in nature. The weekend also offers a variety of strategies and workshops for living with cancer.

METASTATIC RETREATS

These unique retreats invite young adults living with metastatic or advanced cancer to get together for two days in a warm atmosphere and intimate setting. The groups are small, allowing everyone to connect with each other and to learn and share coping strategies. These professionally supervised retreats take place every two months and are by invitation only to make sure that anyone with metastatic / advanced illness can have a chance to participate. We also offer weekends for couples.

BREAST FRIENDS

Breast Friends is a monthly support group for those who are living with advanced/metastatic breast cancer. Come and connect with others who understand what you are going through and learn strategies for coping with the daily challenges of living with advanced illness.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Connecting with others who understand what you are going through is so important. Hope & Cope hosts support groups for many different types of cancer, led by trained facilitators. We also provide one-on-one peer matching when available.

For a list of all other support groups, please check the Hope & Cope calendar.

PALLIATIVE CARE / END-OF-LIFE DISCUSSIONS

Talking about palliative care and end-of-life discussions is often daunting. Canadian Virtual Hospice is a great resource to help you plan for the future while living in the present. Specific topics include:

  • Talking to family
  • Making plans
  • How to get the care and support you need
  • Difficult questions
  • Living wills

BEREAVEMENT

Everyone handles loss and grief differently. Hope & Cope provides a safe, confidential place to express yourself and to learn coping strategies. Our services include:

  • Twice monthly Mourning Cafés (drop in)
  • Peer matching by telephone
  • Mourning Walks on Mount Royal (weekly throughout the year)

For additional information please contact 514-340-8222 ext. 25531.

EXERCISE

Our unique ActivOnco program is designed to help you regain as much strength, balance and flexibility as possible and to cope with side effects of treatments such as fatigue. Our team of professional specialists will provide you with a careful assessment and a personalized exercise plan that can be completed at home or in our fully equipped gym. If working out in the gym is not your thing, you can always try other physical activities in our beautiful Wellness Centre/Lou’s House such as:

  • Yoga
  • Tai chi
  • Qi gong
  • Dance

Registration, a physical evaluation and medical authorization are required prior to participating.

COOKING CLUB

Our monthly cooking club is always a big hit. Whether you are looking to make delicious, nutritious, budget friendly, easy meals or socialize with friends old and new, we invite you to come on out to Hope & Cope’s Wellness Centre / Lou’s House for a great evening. Our monthly recipe is featured in our newsletter so you have so many to choose from. We also celebrate the birthdays of the month!

BROS CLUB

In general, men don’t like to talk about their health and cancer is no different. Whether it is at Hope & Cope’s Wellness Centre / Lou’s House or out in the city, the Bros Club is a place where young men can bond and share similar experiences. Great activities include:

  • Game nights
  • Museums
  • Dinners at local restaurants
  • Axe throwing

YOUNG ADULT CLINIC

The Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at the Jewish General Hospital’s Segal Cancer Centre in Montreal is the only medical centre in Quebec that addresses the unique challenges and needs of the young adult population. The clinic provides a dedicated multi-disciplinary team for 18 – 39 year-olds.

The team offers individualized services including fertility consultations, assessment of the impact of illness on daily activities, monitoring of physical and cognitive functioning, rehabilitation services, nutrition assessment and education, and psycho-social support for parents and families.