This week on Cancer Covered:

• The prevalence of anxiety among cancer patients
  
• Abe’s experience with testicular cancer
  
• Developing strategies for managing stress and anxiety related to a cancer diagnosis and treatment
  
• The value of increasing communication with medical professionals to ensure you fully understand your diagnosis and treatment plan
  
• Addressing the emotional and psychological impact of follow-up scans
  
• Recognizing and prioritizing self-care and seeking support from friends and family
  
• When to consider seeking therapy or counseling to help cope with the emotional impact of cancer
  

Tom Bekkers is a seasoned psychotherapist specializing in helping patients and their loved ones navigate the complex challenges associated with cancer. With his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Tom has cultivated a holistic approach to therapy, offering support in lifestyle adjustments, interpersonal relationship dynamics, and coping mechanisms to deal with grief and loss. As a dedicated facilitator of a monthly cancer support group at Green Bay Oncology, Tom extends his empathetic expertise to a group setting, reinforcing his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all patients. Outside of his professional role, Tom is the co-author of The Widower’s Toolbox: Repairing Your Life After Losing Your Spouse, which demonstrates his expansive understanding of the human capacity to heal and recover. In his personal time, Tom is an avid gardener, camper, sports enthusiast, and active church member, as well as a happily married father of two.

Abe Farley currently works as a Project Manager at SMA Construction Services in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With an extensive background in the construction industry, he has tackled various roles – from concrete work to executive positions and everything in between. He thrives on outdoor activities and sports, often engaging in them with his wife and their 16-year-old son. In 2008, Abe was diagnosed with testicular cancer. For the last 14 years, he has been a cancer survivor and is a beacon of hope for other cancer patients.

Abe and Tom join us today to discuss the anxiety that patients often feel while waiting for scan results. Abe shares his journey with testicular cancer and recounts the fear, anxiety, and confusion he felt while going through treatment and waiting for scan results. We discuss how Abe coped with his anxiety and fear of the unknown and the value of communicating with your doctor to ensure you fully understand your diagnosis and treatment plan. We discuss the emotional and psychological impact of follow-up scans and the importance of seeking support from family and friends. We also share self-care strategies for managing anxiety and discuss the role of healthcare professionals in providing support and when you should consider seeking therapy or counseling.

“Stay busy. Try to do whatever self-care strategy you can do to help take care of those basic needs of eating, sleeping, exercise.” – Tom Bekkers

Connect with Tom Bekkers:

• Book: The Widower’s Toolbox: Repairing Your Life After Losing Your Spouse
  

Connect with Abe Farley:

• Abe Farley on LinkedIn
  

Join Our Free Monthly Support Group

No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.

Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support groups facilitated for you and your loved ones.

Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.

To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/

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