is especially useful for patients who have address issues such as emotional and
previously undergone radiation therapy in spiritual wellbeing, improving strength
the same area. and endurance, nutrition and weight
Care beyond cancer treatment
Our team of care providers works
beyond medical treatment, including:
• Patient navigation and psychological
support services
management, and even overcoming • Pain management and palliative care
employment and insurance barriers.” • Nutritional services
“We also have a Thriving After Cancer
• Patient and caregiver support groups
together to provide each patient with clinic with a dedicated nurse specialist • Prevention and screening
total care. From biopsies, chemotherapy who works with the care team to help the • Survivorship programs
and surgery, to emotional, psychological, individual patient overcome some of the and spiritual support, we focus on the physical and emotional effects of cancer,” whole person and not simply on an Ms. Palamara says. “Fatigue, weight gain please contact Lori Luppino, director of
isolated finding. or loss, anxiety about cancer recurrence, philanthropy for Temple, at 254-899-3771.
“We don’t want our patients to just
and sleep disturbance are just a few of the
survive cancer, we want them to thrive,” issues we address in this clinic. All of these
says Lynne Palamara, MSN, RN-BC, OCN resources and strategies are designed
CNS, Cancer Survivorship Coordinator specifically to enhance the patient’s quality
and Patient Navigator at Vasicek Cancer of life during and after cancer treatment.”
Treatment Center. “We host group
discussion sessions to help patients
To learn more about how you can help,
The Vasicek Cancer Treatment Center
offers a number of resources and services
What is Patient Navigation?
Cancer patients often describe their
Patient Navigators partner with
empowerment to make informed
experience as a “journey” with roadblocks patients from their diagnosis, through their and uncharted territory they must treatment, and into survivorship, serving as • Assistance with finding resources
navigate to survive. Our Patient Navigators an advocate, educator, and guide, all at no • Management of cancer-related
help guide patients and their caregivers cost. Some highlights include:
side effects
through what can be an overwhelming • Patient advocacy and support
and emotional experience. They handle • Coordination of appointments
logistical and administrative details large • Removing barriers to care, such as
and small, allowing patients and families to
focus on healing.
medical decisions
transportation or financial hardship
• Education on what to expect and
11
THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE CENTRAL TEXAS FOUNDATION NEWS / FALL 2019