Your healthcare family
There are people who will help you on this journey. A person’s health is a complicated matter and adding cancer as a factor to your care calls for a holistic approach in ensuring you have a wide variety of support. Knowing who is on your team is crucial to knowing who to turn to for guidance and answers to your important questions.
Pharmacists
Medical Oncologists
We specialize in treating people with cancer. We will be reviewing your scans and making decisions on your treatment/medications. Many times we specialize in your specific type of cancer.
WRadiation Oncologists
We specialize in using radiation in the treatment of cancer and work closely with other physicians as part of your multidisciplinary medical team.
Primary Care Providers
We might have been the one to detect your cancer. I help manage other chronic health conditions, keep you up to date on your health care maintenance and work with you to see who else needs to be involved in your healthcare team. We make sure the medications ordered by your physician are appropriately prepared for administration. We provide drug information to health professionals, patients and their caregivers.
Social Worker/ Counselor
Oncology Nurses
We work directly with your oncologist to ensure all aspects of your care are addressed during treatment. I administer your chemotherapy and radiation therapies, and make integrative, nutritional, social work, and program referrals. I manage side effects (fatigue, appetite loss) while providing emotional support for you and those around you. I can talk with you and your family about your emotional and/or physical needs and can direct you to support services and resources that best fit your situation. We focus on how you are feeling, self-care, self-compassion, healthy coping strategies, action planning, problem solving, advocacy and empowerment.
Palliative Care Physician
I am there to discuss any questions/ issues/fears that are affecting your quality of life. Through Eastern and Western medicine a palliative care physician focuses on your physical, spiritual and emotional well-being as you navigate your serious illness.