Posted April 17, 2012 - 2:30pm by Tracy
Cancer support and care is closer than you think
This week, the Chicago Tribune published a special report on several Chicago residents and families facing cancer diagnoses. Interviewees are unmarried or single and do not have family readily available to support them, drive them to appointments, cook meals and generally help out with everyday life.
Their emotional and physical struggles speak volumes about the need for resources and services to assist all people battling serious illness, and especially those who are doing so on their own. As the article points out, it is difficult to feel optimistic about a recovery when you may not have supporters to lean on.
Michelle Peters, Breast Health program navigator at Swedish Covenant Hospital’s Cancer Center and expert contributor in the article, is no stranger to this trend. She helped treat and coordinate care for Claudia Peyton, a Roscoe Village resident who inspired the Tribune report.
A big part of Peters’ job is helping newly diagnosed patients establish a support network, admit their dependency needs and ask for help. She also helps patients take advantage of services available through Swedish Covenant Hospital and organizations like the American Cancer Society.
And there are many.
In addition to care navigation support provided by Peters and other cancer specialists, services through Swedish Covenant Hospital’s Cancer Center include:
• The latest health screenings, diagnostic technology, laboratory services and treatments
• Massage and healing touch therapies at Galter LifeCenter
• Fitness and physical therapy rehabilitation
• Infusion Center (Additional hydration and medication support that can facilitate a faster recovery)
• Lymphedema Treatment Center (To assist patients experiencing swelling in the extremities)
• Palliative Care, Pastoral Care and Hospice
• Educational services and community programs
• And many more support services
Swedish Covenant Hospital also works directly with the American Cancer Society to offer patients:
• Lodging assistance
• Hair loss and mastectomy products
• Story telling forums
Read the full-text of the Tribune’s report here, then take a look at past reports Well Community which have focused on Cancer stories and survivors at Swedish Covenant Hospital:
Making a comeback: Part 3 — Noah’s story
Making a comeback: Part 1 — Karen's story
Making a comeback: Part 2 — Kathy’s story
Andersonville resident shares story of breast cancer survival
Art and conversation: a healing combination
Humbled by your stories / Patients deserve praise for sharing stories
And don’t forget to take a look back at this oldy but goody for good measure:
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