Your cancer fight isn't just physical. A cancer diagnosis—and the cancer treatments that follow—may also test your mental, spiritual and emotional health. At the Callahan Cancer Center, we offer many layers of enhanced support, so you won't have to go through this alone.
Your cancer support team
In addition to your oncologist, the Callahan Cancer Center has other team members on staff who can help you throughout your cancer journey.
Nurse navigators. A registered nurse navigator will guide you and your caregiver through every step of your treatment. For instance, this person will:
- Explain your plan of care and what to expect from treatments and medications.
- Help you gather information needed to make informed decisions.
- Connect you with community support resources.
- Connect you with other providers, such as social workers, physical therapists and dietitians.
Social workers. Sometimes having cancer affects your day-to-day needs. Our dedicated social workers can help you and your loved ones manage these practical problems. They may connect you to community resources, including support groups and financial, housing and transportation assistance. Our social workers can also offer you counseling to help you work through any difficult emotions.
Cancer rehabilitation specialists. Our team includes a physical therapist who is a certified oncology rehab specialist with certification in exercise and chemo toxicity, breast cancer rehabilitation, lower extremity and pelvic cancer, and head and neck cancer.
Other members of our rehab team include speech/language pathologists and occupational therapists.
No matter what type of cancer you have, our team will work to help you maintain your strength and mobility while they address treatment-related side effects, such as fatigue, weakness and balance issues.
Your cancer rehab may start even before your first treatments. This innovative approach, known as cancer pre-rehabilitation, or "pre-hab," prepares your body and your mind for cancer treatment. It also helps improve your overall well-being. Helping you maintain your daily activities and your quality of life at every stage of your cancer journey is our goal.
Cancer dietitians. We offer nutritional services to optimize your health and help you manage cancer-related side effects. Our oncology dietitian works closely with you and your family to ensure that your dietary needs are met. You'll get help with menu planning, and our nutritionist can also offer tips on food preparation and the benefits of a healthy diet.
Our dietitian is also available to meet with patients who want nutrition education on boosting their immune system, healing, managing weight, managing diabetes or any other nutrition-related topic.
Additional cancer support resources
In addition to one-on-one oncology support, you and your family may benefit from access to cancer resources, such as:
Wigs and turbans. Patients who have hair loss due to treatment can get a wig or turban from the wig bank, located in the Callahan Cancer Center.
Cancer education. The Callahan Cancer Center Library has many books, pamphlets and audiovisual media with additional information on diagnosis, treatment and coping skills, as well as humor, relaxation and music therapy.