Support Services
 Cancer
affects every part of a person’s life … emotional
and spiritual health, family life, workload and planning for
the future. We know that cancer care involves much more than
just medicines, exams and treatments. That’s why we
offer you total support through cancer care specialists and
a variety of other professionals.
Hope
begins here … with people who care about you as a person,
not just a patient.
Cancer Care Coordinators
Physicians at Providence Cancer Center know it takes more
than their expertise to help you through your cancer experience.
They know your life is not put on hold to make time for cancer;
work continues, bills arrive, birthday cakes need baking.
They also know cancer involves new language and requires
many decisions. The process can seem overwhelming for many
patients and their families.
That’s why Providence has added cancer care coordinators,
registered nurses experienced in the care of cancer patients.
They are a unique addition to our treatment team. As a key
connection to the entire treatment team, she helps patients
prepare for, understand and navigate the steps involved in
all phases of cancer therapy. The cancer care coordinator
meets with you and your family at the time of diagnostic testing
or at the time of a new diagnosis and is available throughout
treatment to ensure that your experience fits your needs.
She is also available by phone Monday through Friday to answer
your questions and help you obtain what you need.
“I want to thank you for giving me so much good
information and preparing me for what would happen. It took
the fear out and made this past week bearable. I will contact
you again when Al has made a decision
with the doctor. Thank you again.” Sally.
Cancer Information Line
Have you ever had a question you wished you could have answered,
right now?
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What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
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I have a breast lump and no insurance. Where can I get
a mammogram?
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What does my pathology report mean?
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Why do I need chemotherapy?
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My mother had breast cancer. Will I get it too?
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How often should I get a colonoscopy?
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What does skin cancer look like?
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How can I get my mother to eat more during her cancer
treatment?
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I can't afford my cancer medications. What can I do?
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What is the treatment for stomach cancer?
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Does drinking alcohol increase my cancer risk?
You can have answers to these questions and others from a
nurse who specializes in Cancer Information
by calling 474-5490/1-800-228-6618.
Counseling
A cancer diagnosis causes a multitude of feelings and responses.
Both the person diagnosed and his or her family and friends
experience an array of emotions including anxiety, fear, anger,
and depression. This stress can alter your ability to concentrate,
relate to others and perform daily tasks. You may feel overwhelmed.
You may not know how to talk to your children or your friends
about your cancer.
This is why Providence Cancer Center provides a Cancer Counseling
Center. We want you to have every opportunity to “get
on with your life” in the best way possible. Talking
to someone who understands how cancer can affect your life
may help you and your family get back on track.
Counseling services are by appointment with counselors who
specialize in counseling for individuals, couples, families,
children and groups.
Balancing Life
The Balancing Life program gives couples an opportunity to:
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talk with a trained cancer professional about how cancer
is affecting you and
your family;
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assist each other in finding solutions to short and
long-term problems created by cancer;
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learn new skills for comforting your children, managing
the daily challenges of living with cancer, balancing
family life with illness, work and reconnecting as a couple.
This skill-building program was created by the Cancer Family
Functioning Research Program at the University of Washington
as the result of almost 20 years of research funded by the
National Cancer Institute and other agencies.
Couples who have completed just three sessions have reported
a reduction in cancer-related distress, fewer periods of
depression (both the patient and the spouse), improved
family coping, decreased
marital distress and improved child functioning.
Education
The Education Center can help you find the information you
need to answer your questions. The Center has a large inventory
of resources including:
Cancer nurses are available to assist you in your search
for information and help you understand the
new words and concepts as they pertain to your diagnosis.
End of Life Care
Comfort Care Room – Oncology Units
In the last days of a loved one’s life, families often
find it important to gather at the bedside. Our hospitals
consider this family need as equal to the needs of the patient.
To allow family members privacy and living space while their
loved one receives nursing care, a semi-private room has been
converted into a suite. The suite is designed to feel a little
more like home and provides items such as a microwave, refrigerator,
recliner, coffeemaker and table and chairs.
“The space was so wonderful! It allowed our family
to be with our mother for the two days prior to her death.
The room provided us with all the items we needed to be
comfortable. We will always cherish those last hours.”
“ I forgot we were in the hospital. The room
was so much like being home.”
Hospice
Providence Cancer Center partners with Hospice of Spokane
and Horizon Hospice to provide services for those patients
who require end of life home care and hospital care.
http://www.hospiceofspokane.org
| http://www.horizonhospice.org
Nutrition
Nutrition for Cancer Patients
For cancer patients, proper nutrition is vital during treatment.
When you are well nourished your body can better handle the
stress of cancer and your treatments.
Sometimes, both the disease and the treatments can cause
symptoms that take away your desire to eat. Consequently,
you lose weight and the body’s immune system is weakened.
This does not necessarily need to happen. There are ways to
stay well nourished even when you do not feel like eating.
With good nutrition you can:
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minimize weight loss
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better tolerate the side effects of your cancer treatment
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promote a strong immune system and fight infection
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help your body recuperate better from the stress of
radiation and chemotherapy
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help maintain or rebuild body tissues and keep your
strength up
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have energy for recovery and just feel better!
Treatment Tips
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Maintain your weight.
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Eat adequate protein.
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Limit your daily vitamin and mineral intake to the recommended
amount (RDA).
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Please show your dietician, nurse or physician the herbals,
vitamins and supplements you are taking. Some are known
to interfere with your cancer treatment.
Cancer nutritional therapists are available
to meet with you by phone or in person to advise you on further
tips and information that will assist you in cancer prevention
and recovery such as:
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recipes
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food supplement samples
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meal planning
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herbal and vitamin supplement evaluation
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eating tips related to loss of
appetite, chewing difficulties, and taste changes.
Spirtiual Care
Providence Center for Faith and Healing
The Providence Center and its garden, located in the former
convent of the Sisters of Providence at Sacred Heart Medical
Center, offers several healing settings inside and out for
patients and families. Prayer and meditation, support groups
and study of the faith and health connection are offered in
this ministry. The garden is never closed. The Center is open
M-F 8-4:30.
Chapels
| Sacred Heart Chapels
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Doctor’s Building – 6th floor –
center elevator (open for events and Sunday mass)
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Hospital – main floor across from the information
desk (open 24 hours/day, 7 days a
week) Daily mass is offered.
|
Holy Family Chapels
|
Prayers and masses can be
requested, as well as special use of the Doctor’s
Building Chapel. |
Chaplaincy Services
The chaplains are an integral part of the health care team.
We recognize that your spiritual needs are an important part
of your treatment and recovery. Board certified chaplains
and Catholic priests are available 24 hours to visit a patient
and/or family at any time. Upon your request, the chaplain
or the secretary will contact your pastor, priest, rabbi or
spiritual advisor. All spiritual or religious practices are
respected.
Music –Thanatology
Trained music-thanatologists now offer harp and voice at bedside
vigils at Sacred Heart. Any employee, family member, patient
or physician may request a music session.
Research has indicated that certain types of music can improve
overall comfort by;
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reducing the need for pain medication;
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promoting deep rest;
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increasing oxygen saturation;
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steady or deepen respirations for those struggling to
breath; and
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providing emotional release for both the patient and
family.
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