Living with Cancer Resource Program

Calendar of educational programs and support groups from the Living with Cancer Resource Program at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center

Ask the Expert

Meet with a Hopkins expert to ask questions and receive information on a specific topic. No reservations needed. Just stop by the first floor Weinberg Lobby. Sessions are held weekly and will be advertised on the calendar of events.

Chemotherapy Teaching

Each patient has a primary nurse who teaches them about chemotherapy prior to their treatment. The nurse meets with the patient and family to review the specific chemotherapy the patient will receive, as well as side effects he or she may experience. An important part of the teaching session covers what the patient can do to prevent or cope with those side effects.

In addition, all outpatients attend a group chemotherapy class in the Patient Education Room about outpatient center routines, such as registration and what to expect during a routine chemotherapy appointment.  General side effects and who to call for problems are also covered. 

Patients receive handouts on each of the chemotherapy drugs and managing the side effects. These materials are part of the Patient Guide which all oncology patients receive and some of them are available on this website.

Radiation Teaching

Patient education in Radiation Oncology is both formal and informal.  Each patient has a primary nurse, assigned to the Attending Physician’s service.  This nurse meets with patients and their families; ideally at time of consultation, but often at time of simulation or initial treatment.  Patients get general information about radiation therapy, and they receive a booklet they can refer to at home.  The nurse also reviews expected and/or possible site-specific side effects.  Separate handouts are used with this additional information.  Patient information is presented in either a folder or binder, depending on nurse preference. Included with these handouts is information about other aspects of patient health and well being, such as fatigue, nutrition and psycho-social support. Patients are informed of available services and resources.

Informally, in the Radiation Oncology clinic, therapists teach patients about the treatment, the machinery in the treatment room and various other aspects of treatment. Also, a drop-in class is offered that teaches relaxation techniques.  The class is held in a room near the treatment area and lead by a social worker or nurse.

What to Expect During Radiation Therapy:  A Patient Education Video

Blood and Marrow Transplant Teaching

We have developed an intensive education program to help our patients and their caregivers cope with the transplant process.  We encourage our patients and their caregivers to be important members of their own health care team.

Pre-Bone Marrow Transplant (Consultative Phase)

     1.  Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Class

The BMT Class is taught twice a week; Tuesday, 4-6 PM and Thursday, 8-10 AM. The objectives of the class include: describing the BMT process; how it is accomplished at Johns Hopkins; providing educational handouts and resources materials; touring the transplant units as well as a question and answer period with an experienced BMT nurse.                     

    2.   BMT Case Manager packet

The packet contains several guidebooks that are given or mailed to patients who will proceed to transplantation in the cancer center.  The guidebooks describe the cancer center, the routines and the support services available, as well as providing housing and caregiver requirements.  Included in the packet is a helpful book from the Blood & Marrow Transplant Newsletter:  “Bone Marrow Transplants - A Book of Basics for Patients”.

BMT (Intensive Phase) Transplant Manual

The transplant manual is designed to be used as a communication tool between the patient, caregiver and the health care team through the use of a daily diary and to provide a place for patients to keep their reference and educational materials.  There is an inpatient and IPOP (inpatient/outpatient) version of the manual.

Post-BMT (Outpatient Phase) Discharge Class

The discharge class is provided once a week on Thursday mornings to patients who are ready to be discharged home to their referring physician (leaving IPOP) and their caregivers.  They receive a discharge packet at that time as well.

Surviving Survivorship Conference

Each Fall, Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center host a free conference for cancer survivors and their caregivers.  The conference features a Luncheon Keynote, workshops for survivors and their caregivers, and exhibitors and resources from the community.  Held at a local hotel convenient to Baltimore City, Baltimore Co., Howard Co., and Montgomery Co. and includes free lunch and parking. More Information.