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Robert D. Rutledge, MD, FRCPC
Radiation Oncology
Nova Scotia Cancer Centre
DicksonBuilding
5820 University Avenue
Halifax, Nova ScotiaB3H 1V7
Telephone: (902) 473-6185Fax: (902) 473-7205
August 17, 2008
Dear Skills for Healing Participant,
Thank you for expressing interest in the Skills for healing weekend retreat. We hope that the following information will help make your weekend retreat experience more enjoyable. We understand a diagnosis of cancer changes not only the life of the person with cancer, but the lives of everyone who knows them. These changes can produce anxiety but are also an opportunity to examine your life and initiate positive change. This retreat weekend will be a combination of teaching presentations and practical exercises. We hope that the lectures and activities of the weekend will help you feel able to view these changes with less anxiety and to approach your challenges in a more positive way.
The retreat is being held in the 2nd floor Ballroom of the BethuneBuilding which is part of the VG Site of the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. The BethuneBuilding is right beside the cancer clinic and is the building closest to the corner of University Ave and South Park Ave.
The registration occurs between 5:00and 5:30pm on Friday November 28. We hope to start the evening program at 5:30pm. The program continues Saturday from 9-4:30pm and Sunday 9-3:30pm. We are not providing lodging for the weekend unless you have specifically been accepted to stay in the Lodge That Gives.
Please wear loose and relaxed, comfortable clothing. To be prepared for warm or cool conditions in the room you may want to bring an extra layer of clothing (i.e. wear a T-shirt, shirt and sweater or fleece). A light blanket and small pillow is suggested, as we will be lying down on mats for guided relaxation. You may also want to bring a notebook or journal.
Please note that you are free to participate or not participate in any part of the weekend. For example, if you don’t feel comfortable talking at any particular time, it is fine to pass or remain silent. Likewise, if you have any physical limitations or simply don’t feel comfortable with any activity, you may simply observe. Nevertheless, we want to encourage everyone to participate fully. With this kind of retreat weekend we find that the more you put into it the more you will get out of it.
We look forward to seeing you on Friday evening and to spending a fulfilling weekend together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rob Rutledge, Radiation Oncologist at the Nova ScotiaCancer Centre with
Dr. Tim Walker, PhD, Psychotherapist, Eastwind Stress Reduction Clinic
P.S.If you decide not to attend the weekend, please contact Camilla at 425-4848, so we can give your spot to someone else. You can visit the website at for more information.