Stanford Palliative Care is proud to provide quarterly 2-Part, FREE Advance Health Care Planning virtual workshops for the public. 

"Advance care planning" is the term to describe the conversations and processes involved in making what is more commonly known as a "living will" or "advance health care directive."  In this workshop format, we'll talk about what's right for you and those close to you.  Whether you are a person living with a serious illness, a caregiver of a loved one, or the healthiest you have ever been, having some form of a care plan in the event you are unable to speak for yourself, is important for providing you and your family with the comfort and confidence knowing that your wishes will be honored no matter what happens. 

Come learn about the questions you should be asking yourself, your doctors, and your loved ones.  You may even leave with an advance care plan completed.

Part I:  We will define and describe advance health care planning and provide a 4-step plan to help you get jump-started on thinking about the questions you should be considering. Register here. 

Part II: We will review an advance directive and provide time for discussion and questions.  Part II is open only to registrants of Part I.

Helping a loved one through cancer treatment can be stressful.  The Caregiver Workshop gives caregivers and family members skills and resources to help with:

• Understand cancer and its treatments
• Cope with stress
• Deal with changing family roles
• Meet the physical and emotional needs of the patient
• Improve their own mental and physical health
• Seek out and take advantage of community resources

Registration required.  Call or email us.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

Finding health-related information on the Internet that is reliable, current, and evidence-based takes knowledge and skill. With a focus on neuroscience, medical librarians are available to share good research techniques and sources of trustworthy information online.

Medical librarians are available library hours and 24/7 via our Research Request form.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

Online Class

We know that there is a lot to think about and learn when you need radiation therapy. You may be wondering what radiation therapy is, what the experience is like at Stanford Health Care, and how to prepare. You may also be wondering how you will manage treatment along with work, school, responsibilities, relationships, and life in general.  

This is why we have created an online radiation therapy experience program to help you feel informed, comfortable, and confident with your external beam radiation treatment at Stanford Health Care. 

This program will answer many of your questions, including:

• What is the radiation therapy like at Stanford Health Care and what is the process?
• What are the side effects and how can I manage them?
• Why do I need to have a simulation visit and how do I prepare for that?
• Who will I see when I go for my radiation therapy?
• When will I find out my radiation therapy schedule?
• What should I do if I don’t understand something?
• How can I cope with the feelings and emotions that I have?

What you’ll learn

• What radiation therapy is and how it treats cancer  
• About radiation therapy experience at Stanford Health Care:
  - How to prepare for the treatment experience
  - What to expect and do during treatment
  - What comes next after treatment

Learn what every cancer patient needs to know about lymphedema - what causes it, the early signs and symptoms, how to decrease your risk, and what resources are available.

Registration required. To register, call us.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

If you are interested in learning more about nutrition as you begin treatment, this class is for you!  This information is for patients diagnosed within the last year or less than 2 weeks into their cancer treatment. 

Registration required.  Call or email us.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

Are you or someone you care for about to start chemotherapy for the first time? We offer self-paced class presentations (.pdf) and videos provided by an experienced oncology nurse.  This content provides up-to-date information about your chemotherapy, biotherapy, or immunotherapy, along with an overview of what to expect when you come for your appointment at the infusion center.

Videos presented by oncology nurses:

English version

versión en español

中文版

Slides of class content:

Managing and Understanding Your Chemotherapy (English PDF)

管理和理解您的癌症治療 (Chinese Traditional PDF)

管理和理解您的癌症治疗 (Chinese Simplified PDF)

がん治管理和理解您的癌症治疗療の 管理とその理解 (Japanese PDF)

Cómo afrontar y entender su quimioterapia (PDF Español)

Quản lý và Hiểu biết về Điều trị Ung thư của quý vị (PDF Vietnamese)

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

Healing Touch is a holistic energy therapy that supports healing on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. Practitioners use gentle techniques to balance, clear, and energize the human energy field so that an individual's immune system can better support self-healing.

Healing Touch complements traditional cancer therapy and can support a reduction of anxiety, depression, fatigue and nausea, lymphedema and neuropathy. Healing Touch providers are able to connect with clients via phone for sessions.

If you have never experienced a Healing Touch session and want to discover the benefits schedule an appointment today.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

Esta clase gratis (pagado por Stanford) y dado en español tiene una base científica y consiste en 8 sesiones semanales donde aprenderá estrategias para disminuir el estrés y mejorar su bienestar general. Aprenderas una variedad de técnicas de conciencia plena, entre las que se incluyen ejercicios de visualización guiada, respiración consciente y meditación. Al aprender distintas técnicas, usted puede elegir las que mejor se adapten a su vida cotidiana. Los participantes tendrán acceso a las grabaciones y a un manual de práctica que podrá usar entre cada sesión. ¡Se anima a que participen junto a algún acompañante, ya sea un familiar o cuidador!

El programa de recursos internos para el estrés fue desarrollado por la psicóloga Lynn C. Waelde, Ph.D., profesora en Palo Alto University y profesora clínica asociada en la Facultad de Medicina de Stanford University. Adriana Panting, Ph.D., graduada del programa de doctorado en psicología clínica en Palo Alto University y traductora del manual del participante “Recursos internos para el estrés” al español, impartirá esta clase. 

Para inscribir haga clic aquí: Registración Para el Grupo de Stanford Recursos Internos para el Estrés

Inner Resources for Stress

This free, evidence-based class is offered in Spanish over eight weeks to help you learn strategies to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.  You will learn a variety of mindfulness techniques, including guided imagery, conscious breathing, and meditation. By learning various practices, you can choose which strategy works best for your everyday life.  Participants will receive access to recordings and a manual that help with practicing in between sessions. Participation with a family member or caregiver is encouraged!

The Inner Resources for Stress program was developed by psychologist Lynn C. Waelde, Ph.D., a professor at Palo Alto University and adjunct clinical professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine.  Adriana Panting, Ph.D., a clinical psychology graduate at Palo Alto University, will facilitate this class.  Adriana also translated the Inner Resources for Stress participant manual to Spanish.

To sign up click here: Registración Para el Grupo de Stanford Recursos Internos para el Estrés

El Programa de cuidados de apoyo de Stanford ofrece clases gratuitas, talleres, clases de acondicionamiento físico, servicios y apoyo a todos los pacientes sin importar dónde reciben su atención médica.

Creating a regular meditation practice has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Receive instruction and practice in this blend of ancient wisdom traditions and modern neuroscientific research. Enjoy the peace and power of taking a pause in your day and learning valuable new skills that will serve you during treatment and beyond. Beginners welcome.

Registration is required.  Click REGISTER or call us.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Supportive Care Program »

This class will demonstrate techniques for head scarf tying.   For this class, we recommend having scarves to practice with (including thin square and rectangular shapes), as well as hair ties or rubber bands. 

Registration required. To register, email us.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

Special online resources

Choosing and Wearing a Wig American Cancer Society
Helpful insight on preparing for hair loss from Chemotherapy and radiation, and choosing a wig.

Tender Loving Care American Cancer Society
Wigs and hair loss products at affordable prices.

Boutique - Bay Area Cancer Connections
Donated supplies offered free of charge through Bay Area Cancer Connections

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

This chair ­­­yoga class is designed to safely provide caregivers and patients with a set of moderate, stretching, strengthening, and balance exercises. This yoga sequence proceeds with gentle breathing, attitude bolstering, warmups, and standing balances (with chair support). For deepening relaxation, it uses a mindfulness bell to promote one-pointed focus.

Registration is required.  Click REGISTER or call us.

To better prepare you for this online offering, the following items are recommended:

• A sturdy upright chair, such as a dining table chair.
  - Preferable one that doesn't swivel or have wheels
  - Your feet should touch the ground
• Folded blanket or thin pad on the seat for comfort. 

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients regardless of where they receive their care.

Weekly classes to focus on core strength, functional movement and stability. The class uses bands and an individual’s own body weight to enhance range of motion, flexibility, balance and strength.

Registration is required.  Click REGISTER or call us.

To better prepare you for this online offering, the following items are recommended:

• Weights (1, 2, 3 lbs), water bottles, or cans of soup 
• Resistance bands
• Yoga block or tissue box 
• Small exercise ball
• Throw pillow 
• Yoga mat, towel, or blanket
• Yoga strap, belt, scarf, or necktie
• Bolsters or large cushions from couch or outdoor furniture 
• Small towel
• Mirror (full length) or large mirrors in area where you are working out
• Water bottle for hydration 
• Solid surface to help with balance and modified push-ups (dining room chair, kitchen table, island, or wall)

Not all items will be used in each class.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

Practicing core stability can improve your range of motion, reduce musculature pain, improve back strength, and increase flexibility. The mindfulness aspect of this training renews energy, reduces stress and anxiety, and rejuvenates awareness of the body, mind, and spirit. This is the first step to regaining overall physical confidence and comfort.

Registration is required.  Click REGISTER or call us.

To better prepare you for this online offering, the following items are recommended:

• Bolster or rolled beach towels, 2 tennis balls
• A strap, theraband, or a tie
• Light weights (ok if none are available)
• Yoga block or additional towels to support one's head

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

Gentle yoga postures emphasize stretching, joint mobilizations, and strengthening. Most of our class is done lying on a yoga mat to improve total body conditioning and circulatory flow, increase mobility and range of motion then relieve muscle tension. These classes are for students who can get on the floor without help.

Registration is required.  Click REGISTER or call us.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

Healing Yoga will incorporate the mindful practices of yoga, breath work and meditation to build physical, mental and emotional strength and stamina. In the process, the class will help increase mental and physical flexibility, loosen tight and painful muscles, and create an opportunity to relax. The class is appropriate for all levels and will utilize both chair and standing postures.

Registration required. Click REGISTER, or call us.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Neuroscience Supportive Care Program. 

Moving to Heal is movement as medicine and is for anyone seeking a gentler movement practice to compliment and facilitate healing of body, mind, emotions, and spirit. We define healing simply as, “I feel better.” In this class, students learn how to personalize movement to adapt to their comfort and health needs. A part of the Nia technique, Moving to Heal increases flexibility, mobility, stability, strength and reduces stress.

Registration is required.  Click REGISTER or call us.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

Personalized Exercise Consultations

Experienced and certified oncologyexercise specialists are available to meet with you via Zoom to develop an exercise plan tailored to your needs. Sessions are one-hour and one follow-up phone call is included.

Registration required.  Select the day and click on the time that best works for you.

Every Tuesday
No class: 5/31, 7/5
11:00am, 12:00pm

Every Wednesday
No class: 6/1, 7/6
11:30am, 12:30pm, and 1:30pm

Every Thursday
No class: 6/2, 7/7
10:30am, 11:30am

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

This deeply relaxing and restful class will use restorative yoga poses done primarily on the floor with the support of bolsters, blankets, blocks and chairs. Designed to nurture, nourish and renew the body, mind and spirit.

Registration is required.  Click REGISTER or call us.

To better prepare you for this online offering, the following items are recommended:

• Yoga mat (optional)
• Blanket or large beach towel 
• Yoga bolster or bed pillows (2) 
• Yoga blocks (2) or throw pillows from your couch or bed 
• Eye pillow or hand towel to place over your eyes
• Folding chair or dining chair
• Access to a wall

What patients say:

"For the period of time I am there, I feel calm and energetic.  You are surrounded by friendly people." - M. I.

"I would highly recommend Restorative Yoga, and have, to many friends going through cancer. I tell them it's a wonderful way to find peace in a storm and to be supported, both by the teacher and the place." - T. M. L.

"It gave me confidence to get back into group classes- look forward to coming whenever I can." - M. O.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

Strengthen with Purpose is a strength/resistance training class, that helps you maintain and build strong muscles. Increasing muscle mass can help improve your balance, reduce fatigue, and maintain bone density. We use mats, light weights, bands, balls and body weight as tools to enhance range of motion, flexibility, balance, and muscular strength. Designed to improve physical function to support activities of daily living.

Registration is required.  Click REGISTER, or call us.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

This Tai Chi class will help build balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength and can be performed by anyone regardless of age or physical condition. Tai Chi strengthens the body, quiets and calms the mind and emotions, and improves overall health and well-being.
Registration required. Click REGISTER or call us.

這門網上太極課程可幫您增强平衡感、協調性、柔韌性和力量。任何人，不論年齡或身體條件，均可嘗
試。太極可強建體魄，放鬆平復心靈和情緒，改善整體身體健康和狀態。

參與課程須提前註冊。請在這裡註冊: https://stanfordhealthcare.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEsf-isrzstHtR4f1SwL9nZEXSQqqSQTuZa

如有任何疑問，請致電或發送電子郵件：
Email: SupportiveCarePrograms@stanfordhealthcare.org
Phone: 650-736-2234

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all patients regardless of where they receive their care.

不論患者在何處接受護理，斯坦福支持護理計畫為所有患者提供免費課程、工作坊、健身課程等多項服務和支持。

This online Tai Chi class will help you build balance, coordination, flexibility, and strength and can be performed by anyone regardless of age or physical condition. Tai Chi strengthens the body, quiets and calms the mind and emotions, and improves overall health and well-being.   

Registration required.  Click REGISTER or call us.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides free classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all neuroscience patients regardless of where they receive their care.

This fundamental yoga class utilizes stretching, alignment, steadiness, and breathing to rebuild strength, awareness, and balance. It is the most strenuous Supportive Care yoga class. Increased endurance and strength is preferred, but not required to participate.

Registration is required.  Click REGISTER or call us.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

This group provides encouragement, hope, education, information, and support to all bladder and kidney cancer patients, family members, and caregivers. The group is available to those newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or recovering. Now offered online via Zoom.

Registration required.  Contact Elizabeth Kerr, MSW at 650-308-6274 to register.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

Come share your story, get important medical updates, and learn about coping with symptoms and psychological changes. This group is for patients, caregivers, and friends.

Registration required. To register, email us.

The Stanford Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Supportive Care Program.

Women diagnosed with breast cancer may feel overwhelmed with worry and fears. This group is for women who are in or just starting treatment.

For more information call 925-734-3315 or email ltechel@stanfordhealthcare.org

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program.

Are you caring for a loved one with cancer? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you want to talk to someone? Would you like to speak to others going through the same experience, or would you like to just take a moment for yourself?

Come join us for our new Cancer Caregiver Support Group. This is an ongoing peer-led group offering emotional, educational, psychosocial and spiritual support.

For more information call 925-734-3315 or email ltechel@stanfordhealthcare.org

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

This educational and support program is designed for people with cancer and their loved ones. Participants learn how to manage their health to keep active and improve their lives. No registration is required.

For more information call 925-734-3315 or email ltechel@stanfordhealthcare.org. 

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

Cancer treatment is challenging. This free program offers emotional and social support to patients and caregivers who speak Mandarin or Taiwanese. We match you with a trained volunteer. This volunteer schedules calls to check in with you and see how you are doing. They are there to listen and provide support.

Registration required.  Click here.

癌症治療相當具挑戰性。此免費計劃為講國語或台語的患者及照顧者提供情緒及社交方面支持。我們會將您與受過訓練的志工配對，志工會安排時間與您通電話，問候、聆聽、關心並支持您。請先報名，報名點此。

無論您是否在斯坦福就診，斯坦福支持性服務計畫為所有患者提供免費課程、工作坊、運動課程、各種服務及支持。

This group provides information and support to those newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or recovering from treatment. Family members are welcome.

Registeration is required.   Please email Anyani Partida at apartida@stanfordhealthcare.org to register.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

Offered online via Zoom, this support group is open to patients with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, myeloma, or myelodysplastic syndromes. This group is designed to provide mutual support and education to members who could benefit from meeting with others whose situations are similar to their own. Family support groups work in conjunction with a patient’s medical treatment. Caregivers, family, and friends are welcome.

Registration is required. Contact Elizabeth Kerr, MSW at 650-308-6274 to register.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

This group offers encouragement, hope, education, and emotional support to all lung cancer survivors, family members, or caregivers.

Registration required.  Call 650-353-8571.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

A monthly support group open to all pancreatic and gastrointestinal patients and caregivers for education, balance, strength and support.

Registration is required.  Call to register.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

The Cancer Supportive Care Program in partnership with Silicon Valley Prostate Cancer offers various support groups throughout the Bay Area.  These support groups give patients an opportunity to discuss their experiences, share ideas and provide support to one another.   Groups and activities are voluntary associations of social support and are meant to encourage and inspire.

Support groups offered by Silicon Valley Prostrate Cancer include:

• Prostate Cancer education and Support Group
• Advanced Prostate Cancer
• San Jose Prostate Cancer Support Group