Vim & Vigor - Fall 2018 - 27

Focus on Getting Better

You're now ready to begin your treatment-
and that's when the real work begins.
"This is the time to prioritize your mental, physical
and emotional well-being," Marais says. "That means
surrounding yourself with loved ones, nourishing
yourself with a healthy diet, staying hydrated, exercising [as recommended by your provider] and completing your treatment plan."
Try to minimize obligations in your life that
increase your stress level or drain your energy
reserves by accepting the help that others offer. "It
may be difficult to let go of your normal responsibilities," Wiatrek says. "But your No. 1 job right now is
to focus on getting better." ■

THIS IS MORE THAN
JUST A CANCER CASE
There's no denying that cancer is scary. After all, current
statistics estimate that 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will
be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. However, what
these statistics don't show is the far-reaching impact cancer
has on a person physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.
That's why cancer care should expand beyond clinical
expertise to provide comprehensive care for the complete
individual. With a compassionate, personalized approach
to care, GMC's Center for Cancer Care offers patients the
support, services and resources they need to make their
fight against cancer a success.
Even before a cancer diagnosis, GMC works with patients
to better understand their unique risk factors and support
early detection. To help individuals assess their genetic cancer risk, Dr. Cindy Snyder, one of only four board-certified
advanced genetics nurses in Georgia, offers some of the
most effective genetic counseling and testing in the country.
This commitment to utilizing the very best technological options available doesn't stop with diagnostics. GMC is
also dedicated to providing the latest and most advanced
treatment options. With a formal affiliation with the Duke
Cancer Network, GMC has taken cancer care to a new level.
GMC also offers an extensive range of support services,
including patient resource navigators. GMC's navigators
offer unwavering support and guidance to each patient
throughout their cancer care journey. GMC also prioritizes
support groups as an essential part of the healing process.
As Bobbie Menneg, a cancer survivor and cancer support
group coordinator, explains, "It's important to recognize
the power that social support-in all forms-can have."
Whether it's caring for patients at every stage of the
healing process or celebrating survivorship at GMC's annual
Paint Gwinnett Pink event, GMC is constantly inspired by
its patients. It's their stories, their determination and their
willingness to fight that drives this program's dedication
and commitment to exceptional cancer care.

WEBSITE

Don't Go It Alone
To learn about the wide variety of cancer
support services available near you,
visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/
cancersupport.

FALL 2018

http://www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/cancersupport

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2018