Services Offered for Cancer Patients

Patient Navigators

The OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care provides patient navigators for those who have been diagnosed with breast, head or neck cancers.  Navigators help patients through the difficult and sometimes confusing or bewildering cancer journey by offering information, education and support.  

"Bridges" is the name of the breast cancer patient navigator program which is offered as a free service to all women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.  The patient navigator is a healthcare professional who uses her expert knowledge of the breast cancer experience to guide patients through the various phases of the treatment process. 

The patient navigator is available for four sessions either by phone or in a face-to-face meeting in a private area where concerns can be addressed in a confidential manner.  During these times together, the patient navigator ensures that the patient has appropriate and accurate information to make treatment decisions based on his or her needs and beliefs.

 Topics for discussion might include:

  •       Understanding the diagnosis and medical terminology
  •       Tips on communicating with  physicians
  •       Managing treatment schedules
  •       Coping with treatment side-effects
  •       Finding balance in your life
  •       Insurance concerns
  •       Nutrition advice
  •       Complementary/alternative therapies
  •       Support groups
  •       Image enhancement programs
  •       Clinical/research trials available
  •       Importance of exercise
  •       Transportation programs

  The Inspire Program

“Inspire:  Body & Mind” is a free service offered to OSF Cancer Center patients. Under this program, Terri Johnston, owner of the Inspiration Salon in Rockford and founder of the Inspiration for Hope Foundation, meets with patients to offer information on and help with medically related hair loss, skin care and breast prostheses. As a cancer survivor herself, Terri also provides understanding, compassion and kindness to those undergoing cancer treatments. She visits cancer patients to listen, provide suggestions for coping and offer emotional support.  The program is intended to help patients feel as much like themselves as they possibly can. By helping patients look and feel better, the program “inspires” hope, courage and strength during a time when they are most needed.

 

Support Groups for Cancer Patients

The OSF Center for Cancer Care offers several complimentary support groups for patients and their significant others who are diagnosed with cancer.

 

STEPPING FORWARD

Meets every other week on Thursday from 6:30 to 8 pm in the OSF Center for Cancer Care Library.   The support group is designed for cancer patients and their significant others who wish to find a comfortable, supportive atmosphere for expressing their concerns and emotions. Meetings are open to all cancer patients, their families and friends, regardless of where or when the cancer treatment was received. For more information, call 815-227-2223.

WOMAN TO WOMAN BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Meets from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in the OSF Center for Cancer Care Library. The meetings offer peer support and education for women experiencing breast cancer. This informal group brings together women who share a common bond and provides emotional and spiritual support for them. Speakers and topics of discussion are chosen by members of the group and often address challenges and concerns unique to breast cancer. For more information, contact the Breast Health Navigator at 815-227-2629.

CANCER SURVIVOR SERIES

Generally offered once a year, the Cancer Survivor Series is held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. one day a week for four consecutive weeks  This program is designed to offer informational and educational sessions based on the needs of cancer patients and their significant others once treatment has been completed. The OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care and the American Cancer Society have joined forces to present this program. Topics include fear of recurrence, dealing with side-effects of cancer treatment, the importance of exercise and eating a healthy diet. The classes are offered at selected times of the year. Light refreshments are provided. For more information, call 815-229-1287.

CHILDREN LIVING IN MOMENTS OF BRAVERY (CLIMB)

Generally offered once a year, CLIMB meets from 5:30 to 7p.m. one day a week for six consecutive weeks.  This program is designed to help children deal with the emotional stress that occurs when a parent or grandparent is diagnosed with cancer. Through creative projects, children learn to express their feelings in a safe and confidential environment and interact with other children who are dealing with the same issues. CLIMB is modeled after the Children’s Treehouse Foundation program from Denver, Colorado, and is designed for children aged 6-12 years.  For more information, call 815-229-1287.