If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, the treatment plan put together by you and your doctor is the highest priority moving forward. Yet, treatment of your cancer is not the only important aspect of your care plan. Supportive care is crucial for managing the side effects that can result from your cancer treatment, helping you navigate struggles such as emotional distress, isolation, and lowered life quality.

A cancer diagnosis does not exist in a bubble. Therefore, approaching cancer care with the singular goal of eliminating cancer doesn’t address the fallout cancer has on all areas of a patient’s life. At Beacon Clinic we understand that failing to acknowledge these widespread effects and to provide the necessary support in these areas can lead to poorer health outcomes, increased emergency room visits, mental health deterioration, and diminished coping ability. 

That is why we offer resources to help patients receive the supportive care and assistance patients need to maximize their quality of life during treatment and remission. We care for our patients as a whole, offering a host of supportive services.

 

Supportive Care in Cancer

Nutrition Counseling

Nutrition always plays an essential role in your overall health and wellness. Fueling your body with the appropriate nutrients helps your body handle treatment better and provides you with the energy you need to wage your battle with cancer. Unfortunately, many cancer treatments can leave you too sick to eat, or make nutrient-rich foods unappealing.

At Beacon Clinic, nutritional consultation and counseling are often introduced at the start of your treatment plan. Our goal is to make sure your nutritional needs are met throughout the course of your treatment and into recovery. We can also recommend beneficial supplements and recipes to help you feel stronger and ensure you are getting the requisite vitamins and minerals

 

Mental Health Support

No matter how strong you are, cancer takes a toll on your mental health. Even if you have never experienced anxiety or depression in the past, these conditions are fairly common for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Physical discomfort, the effects of medication and other treatments, pain, weakness, and nutritional challenges all affect your body’s chemical balance, and even the most upbeat personalities will find it hard to stay positive.

Working with a therapist who understands what you are going through can strengthen your coping abilities. A sympathetic therapist can also be a welcome sounding board when those whom you usually depend upon for emotional support don’t quite understand the struggles you are dealing with. A cancer care therapist will keep you from feeling isolated and alone, and help you process feelings of anger, grief, fear, and other emotions that you may be hesitant to share with friends or family. Beacon Clinic will coordinate a referral to a therapist as appropriate. 

 

Rehabilitation

Many people assume that once cancer patients have finished treatment, they can effortlessly slip back into their regular lives. Unfortunately, cancer patients often feel overwhelmed and frustrated because, though they may be in remission, they cannot snap their fingers and revert to their previous levels of strength or endurance. Consequently, supportive services include after-treatment care, such as physical therapy and other rehabilitation services. A full course of cancer treatments can be very taxing, and the goal of rehabilitation services is to help you regain your independence and to build up your functional skills and increase your fitness level in order to adjust to a “new normal.” Beacon works closely with physical therapists who have specific training and experience best suited for cancer patients.

 

Financial Guidance

Cancer treatments can impose a significant financial strain on a person, leaving patients and loved ones worried about their futures. Financial counselors at Beacon Clinic can help you understand your insurance coverage, calculate what your costs are likely to be, and help you plan how to cover out-of-pocket costs. They can also assist you in identifying and applying for financial assistance programs or grants that can ease the burden of treatment expenses.

 

Find a Compassionate Cancer Center

A patient-focused cancer center like Beacon can offer you the support often overlooked in facilities that only focus on treating cancer. At Beacon Clinic, we take care of the whole person, knowing that this approach leads to better medical outcomes and helps patients maintain a higher quality of life.

The benefits of supportive care as a component of cancer care cannot be overstated. Contact Beacon Clinic to talk to our compassionate and knowledgeable staff about how we can help you. We look forward to providing you with the guidance and support you need throughout treatment and beyond.