Support Services

In addition to all of the staff members at Hematology & Oncology Consultants, P.C., who will be taking care of you during your diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, there are additional support personnel that may be involved in your care process.

Note: Not all services are provided at all locations. To find out what support services are available at your local clinic, please ask your healthcare provider.

Support Personnel

• Dietician
  A clinical dietitian is on staff to regularly review the nutritional care of our patients. They can provide a nutrition assessment, counseling and education on special diets, dealing with side effects of disease and treatments, and ways to improve nutritional status.
• Education and Outreach
  Many resources are available to help our patients know their risks and learn about their disease. We believe that knowledge and education are important weapons in the fight against cancer. There are brochures located in each clinic to provide you with more information about your disease and treatment. In addition, many of our communities hold programs that are available to the public.
• Genetic Testing
  The genetic testing program is used to evaluate an individual's personal risk for developing cancer and to learn about steps they can take to prevent it. Through a simple blood test, we can determine whether or not individuals carry a mutated gene that causes breast, ovarian or colorectal cancer, or are at higher risk for related cancers.
• Home Care Services
  This skilled healthcare team is available for assistance when a patient returns home after treatment or a hospital stay.
• Hospice Services
  This service is used to provide end-of-life medical care and emotional support to patients and their families when the decision has been made to stop all active treatment. This can be provided in the hospital or home.
• Look Good…Feel Better
  This service is designed for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Wigs, turbans, and makeup are all available. This program offers a free consultation by a licensed cosmetologist who can provide tips on skin care, makeup and hair care during treatment. In addition, wigs and turbans can be conveniently fitted, styled and purchased in one convenient location.
• Lymphedema Clinic
  Lymphedema is an abnormal collection of fluid which causes swelling of a body part, most frequently in an arm or leg. Lymphedema can be caused by an abnormality in the lymphatic system. In some cancer patients, it can occur as the result of disease or from tissue damage (from surgery, radiation, or trauma). Certified lymphedema therapists are available to provide assistance in managing this issue.
• Nurse Navigators
  These registered nurses are available in some locations and are there to assist you from diagnosis through your completion of treatment. They work directly with the physicians to ensure that all required treatment and tests are scheduled, and they provide education and support.
• Palliative Care
  This specialized group is part of the home care team. They provide pain and symptom management to patients and their families.
• Pastoral Services
  The chaplain offers spiritual and emotional support and helps with other religious issues. Your personal minister is also encouraged to remain involved in your care if you so desire. Religious services are held at some locations, for those wishing to attend.
• Physical Therapy
  An exercise program can be created to improve your physical independence. Therapists can also assist with helping you move your body in the best way possible in instances where walking or other physical activity may have been changed by your disease, treatment or surgery.
• Occupational Therapy
  These therapists assist patients and their families in adjusting their daily lives to the changes that may occur due to disease, treatment or surgery. This can range from personal care routines to activities such as grocery shopping. They can also make recommendations for equipment that may be useful in the home.
• Rehabilitation Services
  Many specialty services are available to assist with treating side effects due to disease, treatment or surgery.
• Social Services
  Social workers who work with oncology patients provide many types of services. They can include family counseling, support group coordination, community education and services for patients. Social workers also provide support for financial concerns you may have. Also, if additional help is needed, such as Home Health, Extended Care placement or Hospice, the social worker will assist in arranging these care options for you.
• Support Groups
  A large variety of support groups are available and meet at various times of the year. Some are specific to the disease you have, such as breast cancer or brain cancer, and others are for all patients, such as Therapeutic Journaling or the Fatigue Support Group. The coordinators may provide enjoyable activities to participate in, such as T'ai Chi, Yoga or Meditation.
• Support Program Specialist
  Our support program specialist provides assistance in many ways, whether through large group sessions, family meetings, or individual support for patients coping with the emotional side of the cancer journey. Our specialist is available for education about the emotional process that patients go through after a diagnosis, or when you just need someone to talk to.