Cancer care is about more than just treatment. Services that support patients’ physical, educational and emotional needs are part of a holistic approach to care during treatment.

“We realize that these are important components in supporting a patient’s full healing and long-term recovery process,” says Rebecca Duchman, MSN, MA, RN, NEA-BC, director of Ambulatory Infusion and Treatment Center. “These products and services can help ease the side effects of treatment and make cancer patients feel good about themselves again during treatment and recovery.”

Massage therapy

Licensed massage therapists provide free massages to patients undergoing infusion therapy to help ease pain and discomfort. Studies have shown that massage:

• Boosts the immune system
• Improves circulation
• Reduces stress by decreasing stress hormone cortisol levels
• Alleviates common side effects of cancer treatment, such as pain, nausea, lymphedema, neuropathy and insomnia

Support groups

Social and emotional support can be essential to healing and recovery. Moderated cancer support and survivorship groups provide a forum for patients and families to share their feelings and experiences with others in similar situations.

“These support groups can be an effective coping tool and offer an additional source of support,” says Duchman.

Services and resources

As part of a holistic care model, cancer patients can receive support services from the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center and the Life Renewal Center at Village Pointe Cancer Center. 

These centers provide:

• Educational materials with information about cancer, treatments, diet and nutrition
• Assistance with finding support groups and other community resources
• An assortment of free wigs, headwear options and skin care products
• Free Knitted Knockers, handmade breast prosthetics for women who have undergone mastectomies or other breast procedures

The Look Good Feel Better program offers one-hour online workshops on cancer care topics. Patients receive information on skin and nail care problems, makeup application, wig selection and wig care. Free makeup kits are available to patients who attend a virtual workshop.

“Through these services, we hope to make the patient's experience a more comfortable and positive one,” says Duchman. “Our goal is to help them get through their cancer experience in the best way possible.”