|
Psychosocial Support Groups A network of counseling services and support groups offered at The Cancer Center gives patients the opportunity to share their experiences with an experienced counselor, as well as other women who are facing the same issues and difficulties. Special support groups include one for breast cancer patients, one for “Persons Living with Cancer,” a group for caregivers, one for those undergoing bone marrow or peripheral stem cell transplantation, and a creative arts support group for children of breast cancer patients. Support group discussions may include: • Coping with the feelings of loss, sadness, and fear • Adjusting to the changes in self-concept and body image • Treatment options • Managing the side effects of treatment • Communicating with family members, friends, and physicians • Ways to reduce stress • What community resources are available Nutritional Counseling The Cancer Center’s Department of Nutrition and Food Management offers patients individual counseling by a registered dietician to help them maintain a balanced nutrition plan that promotes treatment goals and offsets the side effects of chemotherapy. Breast Reconstruction A variety of surgical options for breast reconstruction are available to medical center patients, including breast reconstruction at the same time of mastectomy or following recovery. Rehabilitation Therapy The medical center’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department offers individualized physical and occupational therapy plans. Special services for breast cancer patients include exercises to increase or maintain mobility and functional use of the extremities, and conditioning exercises and therapeutic activities aimed at restoring and improving functioning during walking, sports, and social activities. Pre- and Post-Operative Program The Betty Torricelli Institute for Breast Care offers a comprehensive pre- and post-operative program to help patients understand and manage all aspects of their surgery. In addition to one-to-one counseling, each patient receives a free post-operative kit, funded by a grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The kit includes a lightweight after-surgery breast prosthesis and mastectomy bra, as well as an educational book. The Lymphedema Program Many women who have had lymph nodes removed during a mastectomy or lumpectomy experience lymphedema, an accumulation of lymphatic fluid due to decreased drainage. Lymphedema can cause swelling and pain in the arm on the side of the breast surgery, and it puts a woman at risk for infection. Hackensack University Medical Center’s Lymphedema Program, housed within our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department on the sixth floor of the Hackensack University Medical Plaza, is one of only a few facilities in the nation that offers a comprehensive treatment program for this condition. Certified physical therapists or occupational therapists design individualized treatment plans, which include manual lymphatic drainage and compression bandaging, garments, and/or pumps. Discussions of psychological and physical issues are encouraged. Home Care Our comprehensive home care services include physical and occupational therapy, skilled nursing care, home health aides, pulmonary treatment, infusion services, and nutritional counseling. Social Services The Cancer Center’s Social Services Program, comprising certified social workers, provides crisis intervention services, financial guidance, stress reduction sessions, a floating library, and various educational workshops. Spiritual Support When a patient faces a life-threatening illness, her need for spiritual support increases. Pastoral care volunteers work on site at The Cancer Center, visiting patients and discussing issues relating to the cancer experience. Clergy from various religious affiliations are on call to counsel and visit hospitalized patients. Hospice Working in partnership with terminally ill patients and their families, the Hospice Program helps to create a dignified home environment for patients during their final days. Registered nurses provide pain management and work in collaboration with home health aides, social workers, pastoral care representatives, and specially trained volunteers. The Hospice Program offers a family bereavement support group and art therapy for children who have lost a parent, grandparent, or sibling. |
