Adjusting to and living with a diagnosis of
cancer can be overwhelming and confusing for many people. Living with cancer can
mean that patients have to deal with added emotional, practical, and financial
stressors.
The oncology social workers at the Harold C.
Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center are available to help patients find their way
through the new challenges that cancer presents. These caring professionals
specialize in being advocates and helping patients mobilize their internal and
external resources to face whatever lies ahead.
An oncology social worker provides:
- Psychosocial assessment and
treatment
- Collaboration with the health care
team
- Information and education
- Supportive counseling for
patients and family
- Transitions of care planning
When to
Contact an Oncology Social Worker
Patients and their family members can speak
with an oncology social worker anytime throughout the cancer experience. A
referral from a doctor is not needed. Social workers are part of the cancer
care team and are available to help before, during, and after the course of
treatment.
If any of the
following topics are of concern, feel free to call us:
- Accessing community resources for respite, home health care,
medical equipment, or hospice
- Needing information about Social Security disability,
Medicaid, Medicare D, COBRA, or family medical leave
- Considering joining a support group
- Exploring resources available for information, support, and
financial assistance
- Feeling overwhelmed, needing support, or just wanting to talk
about it with someone who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and patient
- Finding solutions for transitions of care needs, such as skilled
nursing, long-term care, assisted living, or hospice services
- Keeping others updated about the cancer experience without becoming
overwhelmed
- Managing caregiver stress
- Planning and preparing for the experience of cancer treatment
- Talking about cancer to others, such as children, friends, or
co-workers
- Thinking about advance directives such as a living will,
medical durable power of attorney, and out-of-hospital do-not-resuscitate
orders
- Understanding workplace rights for people who have cancer
For more information, please contact Alex
Huffman, LCSW, at 214-645-2742.
