Cancer Support and Education
All of the people who provide care for you at John Muir Health are not only highly educated about the type of cancer for which we treat our patients, but have a genuine passion for you and the care and support you receive.
Our goal is to provide you with all the resources you need to help you through this challenging time.
Nurse Navigators to Help You Through
A John Muir Health cancer patient has access to a Nurse Navigator, whose job is to be with you every step of the way during your treatment. She’s here to:
- Help you understand your treatment plan
- Answer any questions regarding insurance coverage
- Steer you towards helpful information resources and support groups
- Help you through your recovery
- Patient support
Our nurse navigator and patient care coordinator provide streamlined, continuity of care as you move between appointments such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. They answer questions, provide nutritional counseling, information on supportive services, as well as offer guidance in all aspects of cancer treatment.
Support Groups
John Muir Health refers cancer patients to the Cancer Support Community, a Walnut Creek-based organization whose mission is to “bring support, education, and hope” to people and families facing cancer.
Our physicians offer educational talks in the community to keep you and your caregivers up-to-date on the most current treatment modalities and latest research breakthroughs.
Our reimbursement specialists work closely with you, your insurance company, pharmaceutical companies and foundations to provide helpful guidance and financial support.
Cancer Library and Resource Center
Staffed by nurse educators and equipped with a wide selection of books, magazines, DVDs, and Internet access to helpful Web sites, our resource center is available free to you and your family to find the information you need to help you make educated decisions about your care and treatment.
Classes
Our resource center offers a wide variety of classes to help you more effectively manage your health.
Supportive and Palliative Care
When you have a serious, chronic illness, a multidisciplinary team will work with you to reduce the suffering as much as possible and improve the overall quality of your life. John Muir Health offers a palliative care consultation to help you:
- Understand your current medical condition
- Explore your hopes for the future and goals for medical care
- Discuss benefits and risks of possible treatments
- Help you with advanced planning
- Recommend strategies for pain relief, nausea, fatigue, or other symptoms of your condition or treatment
Spiritual Care
To aid in the healing process, John Muir Health’s spiritual support programs serve the spiritual and religious needs of our patients, their families and friends. In-house chaplains and community clergy are available to see patients are available every day at all times. We also work with community religious leaders and trained lay visitors to provide the support you need.
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