Cancer Institute: Support Services
At the Holy Cross Hospital Cancer Program, we understand that the emotional
impact of a cancer diagnosis can often be as hard to deal with as the
physical side. Recent studies have shown that people being treated for
cancer who participate in support groups often report having a better
quality of life than those who don’t participate.
We encourage patients with cancer, as well as their support network
of family and friends, to consider taking part in one of our cancer support
groups. We also offer pastoral care through affiliated clergy of many
faiths.
Holy Cross offers a full range of support groups for patients with
cancer and their families and friends, at the hospital and in locations
within the Silver Spring community. At these groups, people can discuss
their feelings, share their fears and learn how to cope better with their
condition.
Survivors Offering Support
Survivors Offering Support, better known as SOS,
is a support program that pairs breast cancer survivor volunteers with
newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. SOS volunteer mentors are matched
with new patients by their similarities in age, lifestyle and stage of
breast cancer. SOS volunteer mentors offer emotional support, understanding,
encouragement and insight like no one else can to the newly diagnosed
breast cancer patient.
 |
To
learn more about the program, become an SOS volunteer mentor or
be assigned a mentor, contact Denise O’Neill, SOS coordinator,
at oneillde@holycrosshealth.org or 301.754.8502. |
Breast Cancer Support Group
For patients and survivors looking for support, information and hope. This group
meets the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the
Holy Cross Hospital Professional and Community Education Center.
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For
more information, please call 301.754.7537. |
Hematology Support Group
People with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma or other blood cancers, as
well as their families, will get information, help and hope at this
monthly support group meeting led by an oncology nurse and social worker.
This group meets the third Thursday of each month, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
at Holy Cross Hospital.
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For
more details or to register, contact the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
at 703.399.2900. |
Look Good...Feel Better
If you have started a course of radiation or chemotherapy treatment,
you may experience temporary changes in the appearance of your skin
and hair. With Look Good...Feel Better, you will learn about
new hairstyles, skin care, cosmetics tips and nail care.
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For
more information, please call 301.754.7537. |
THYCA: Thyroid Cancer Support Group
ThyCa Washington, D.C., is a mutual-help support
group open to all thyroid cancer survivors and families. This group is
affiliated with Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. (ThyCa).
Support for Families of Cancer Patients
A diagnosis of cancer affects not only the
cancer patient, but the family as well. A cancer diagnosis may impact
the family’s
financial, social and emotional wellbeing. The Holy Cross Hospital
Cancer Institute has a social worker who is available to family caregivers
to provide support, direction and information and referral services—at
no cost. For a telephone consultation, please call Pat Malik at 301.754.7543.
Support for Children of Cancer Patients
When
a parent has been diagnosed with cancer, sometimes the most worrying
questions are “How do I tell my children? What do I tell them?” When
do I tell them?” To talk these concerns over, the Holy
Cross Hospital Cancer Institute social worker is available—at no
charge. For a telephone consultation, please call Pat Malik at
301.754.7543.
Ovarian and Gynecological Cancer Support Group
This group is for patients and survivors looking
for support, information and hope. This group meets on the third Wednesday
of each month at the Holy Cross Hospital Professional and Community Education
Center from 6:30 to 8 p.m. 2008 Dates: September 17, October 15, November
19, December 17.
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For
more information, please call 301.754.7537. |
Pastoral Care
The Spiritual care team at Holy Cross consists
of professional chaplains who are able to facilitate healing and wholeness
for patients and families in collaboration with other members of
their care team. The Spiritual Care Department affirms the sacredness,
dignity, and worth of all persons, acknowledges diversity in both
individuals and in religious/spiritual traditions, and is committed
to providing respectful compassionate and competent pastoral and
spiritual care.
Some of the ways which we can support patients and families through
illness is:
- To listen
- To pray at your request
- To share in your faith questions
- To assist is seeking inner peace
- To provide a calming presence
Chaplains are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week, 301.754.7390.
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