Classes & Support Group Services for Patients 

Weekly Cancer Survivor’s Group.  Who better to understand what cancer survivors go through than fellow survivors?  This small group of cancer survivors meets weekly to discuss the matters most important to them:  dealing emotionally with treatments; managing anxiety and depression; sexuality; finding strength and hope; family and financial pressures; and more.  The group is led by Greg Pacini, MS, LPC, CGP, a licensed professional counselor with more than 25-years of experience in the counseling profession.  FREE.  Every Wednesday, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
  • Location:  SSM Cancer Care at St. Joseph Hospital West.  Community Education Room.  400 Medical Plaza, Lake Saint Louis.  Those interested in joining are asked to participate in a welcome meeting with the group leader prior to starting with the group.  To schedule a welcome meeting, call Cindy Broder at 636-755-3034.

Weekly Cancer Recovery Group.  Are you on a clear path to recovery from cancer, but have questions about treatment, your emotions or how to reenter life now that treatment is behind you?  Join this small group weekly to discuss treatments; managing anxiety and depression; sexuality; finding strength and hope; family and financial pressures; and more.  The group is led by Greg Pacini, MS, LPC, CGP, a licensed professional counselor with more than 25-years of experience in the counseling profession.  FREE.  Every Monday, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

  • Location:  SSM Cancer Care at St. Joseph Hospital West.  Community Education Room.  400 Medical Plaza, Lake Saint Louis.  Those interested in joining are asked to participate in a welcome meeting with the group leader prior to starting with the group.  To schedule a welcome meeting, call Cindy Broder at 636-755-3034.

Monthly Support Group for Cancer Survivors and their Caregivers.  Join other cancer survivors and caregivers for this monthly opportunity to explore the journey of your diagnosis in a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere.  Feel free to explore your thoughts, feelings and beliefs.  Couples, families and individual survivors can discuss the impact of a cancer diagnosis on all aspects of life.  The group is led by a new guest speaker each month, to ensure that topics are relevant to the emotional and relational needs, that there is group, rather than individual discussion and that additional support is available when needed.  FREE.  First Monday of each month, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

  • Location:  H.W. Koenig Medical Building at St. Joseph Hospital West.  Community Education Room.  400 Medical Plaza, Lake Saint Louis.  For more information, call Cindy Broder at 636-755-3034.

Tai Chi Classes.  The ancient art of tai chi uses gentle, flowing movements to reduce stress and increase strength.  FREE for cancer survivors.  All others:  $30 per three-week session; $12 per single drop-in session.  Pay instructor by cash or check only.  Recommendations:  bring a mat, towel and bottle of water; wear comfortable clothes and warm socks.  Sessions run on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m.  Session dates are as follows:

  • Location #1:  H.W. Koenig Medical Building at St. Joseph Hospital WestCommunity Education Room.  400 Medical Plaza, Lake Saint Louis.  Call 636-498-7850 to register.  For more information, please call 636-755-3056.
  • Location #2:  SSM St. Joseph Medical Park.  Education Room.  1475 Kisker Road, St.Peters.  Call 636-498-7850 to register.  For more information, please call 636-498-7923. 

Ha Vu’ Yoga Classes.  Yoga makes you feel good… mind, body and spirit!  FREE for cancer survivors.  All others: $30 per three-week session; $12 per single drop-in session.  Pay instructor by cash or check only.  Recommendations:  bring a mat, towel and bottle of water; wear comfortable clothes and warm socks.  Sessions run on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m.  Session dates are as follows:

  • Location #1:  H.W. Koenig Medical Building at St. Joseph Hospital West.  Community Education Room.  400 Medical Plaza, Lake Saint Louis.  Call 636-498-7850 to register. For more information, please call 636-755-3056.
  • Location #2:  SSM St. Joseph Medical Park.  Education Room. 1475 Kisker Road, St. Peters.  Call 636-498-7850 to register.  For more information, please call 636-498-7923.  

Life After Breast Cancer Support Group.  This program is sponsored by the SSM St. Joseph Breast Health Program and supported by the Karen Weidinger Foundation to provide education and support for breast cancer survivors.  Other cancer survivors are welcome to attend as well!  FREE.  Third Tuesday of each month, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

  • Locations #1:  SSM St. Joseph Medical Park.  Education Room.  1475 Kisker Road, St. Peters. A light dinner is provided, so please RSVP to nancy_grassner@ssmhc.com or 636-498-7923.
  • Location #2:  H.W. Koenig Medical Building at St. Joseph Hospital West.  Community Education Room.  400 Medical Plaza, Lake Saint Louis.  A light dinner is provided, so please RSVP to nancy_grassner@ssmhc.com or 636-498-7923.

Mammogram Screenings.  SSM Health Care offers free mammogram screenings to women who have no health insurance, by appointment only.  Must meet qualifications.  Appointments are available at SSM St. Joseph Health Center, 300 First Capitol Drive in St. Charles; SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza in Lake Saint Louis; SSM St. Joseph Medical Park, 1475 Kisker Road in St. Peters; and SSM St. Joseph Health Center-Wentzville, 500 Medical Drive in Wentzville.  For more information, call Karen Schapp, RN at 636-947-5617. 

Diabetes Support Group.  Hear from experts to learn how to better manage diabetes and enjoy a healthier life.  Public is welcome.  FREE.  Fourth Tuesday of each month, 6:30-7:30 pm.  Upcoming topics include:  Shoe Fitting by New Balance, Eyes by Dr. Kirks, Teeth by MO Dental Society, Dealing with Diabetes and Intro to the American Diabetes Association.

  • Location:  H.W. Koenig Medical Building at St. Joseph Hospital West.  Cancer Center Classroom.  400 Medical Plaza, Lake Saint Louis.  For more information, call Doreen at 636-625-5447.

Diabetes Self-Management Training Classes.  Learn the latest about diabetes, monitoring, food choices, complications, sick day management, foot care, coping with life stressors, holidays, vacations and other unusual life situations in four sessions over a six-month period. Insurance coverage for these classes varies.  Patients need to check with their benefits coordinator to assess coverage.  These classes are available with a doctor's order only.

  • Location:  SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza, Lake Saint Louis.  To register, call 636-949-9600.  For more information, call Doreen at 636-625-5447.

Childbirth Preparation Classes.  This series of classes is designed to assist women and their partners to prepare for the birth of their baby.  Information includes coping with labor, relaxation techniques, breathing methods and pain management options. Postpartum adjustment and newborn characteristics are also explored.  It is recommended that these classes be started early in the third trimester.  Four-week series, two hours per week, $60 fee.  Fast-track series, 1 and 1/2 days, $80 fee.

  • Location: SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza, Lake Saint Louis.  Call 314-SSM-DOCS or 1-866-SSM-DOCS to register.

Breastfeeding Class.  This class is recommended both for women who are planning to breastfeed and for those who have not yet decided.  It is designed for mothers, fathers, grandparents and support persons.  It includes information on how the breast makes milk, how to establish a good milk supply, avoiding sore nipples and nurturing the breastfeeding family.  Two hours, $20 fee.

  • Location: SSM St. Joseph Hospital West, 100 Medical Plaza, Lake Saint Louis.  Call 314-SSM-DOCS or 1-866-SSM-DOCS to register.

Tobacco Free For Life Support Group.  Our tobacco free support group is designed for those who want to quit and need more information, as well as those who have successfully quit but need a little more reassurance and support.  Meets every Monday at 7 p.m.  FREE.

  • Location: City of St. Peters, City Hall.  For more information, contact Ellen Brennan, RN, BSN at 636-947-5304.