You listened and offered encouragement. ~Lorraine M.
Cancer affects more than your physical health: It can also take a huge toll on your emotional and mental well-being. During treatment, and even well beyond, you may not feel like yourself. That's why it's essential to have support as you face the challenges of cancer treatment.
This support can and should come from many places, including your family, friends and care team here at ProMedica. Having a network of people walking beside you on this journey will help you face the future with hope and optimism.
Remember, you're never alone during your fight against cancer. Along with your personal network, we can connect you to support groups and community resources. We also have a whole team of counselors, social workers and other providers ready to meet your unique needs.
You listened and offered encouragement. ~Lorraine M.
The end of cancer treatment is a time to celebrate, but it’s also a time of change. You’ve entered into a new phase called “survivorship.” We want to help you grow and thrive in your life after cancer treatment. The ProMedica Cancer Institute Survivor Center is here to guide you every step of the way.
You can take part in our Cancer Survivorship Program even if you didn’t receive your cancer treatment at a ProMedica facility. It’s open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis who has completed active treatment (which may include chemotherapy, radiation or surgery). We want everyone to benefit from the support and resources of our unique program.
Our team will coordinate all aspects of your physical, mental and emotional recovery after cancer treatment. We want you to embrace this time of change with the follow-up care and support you need.
To make an appointment with the Cancer Survivorship Program, call 419-824-1952
To learn more, watch our ProMedica Cancer Institute Survivorship Webinars:
The first step after your cancer treatment ends is to make an appointment at the ProMedica Cancer Institute Survivor Center. This can be done through a self-referral or through a doctor’s referral. A nurse practitioner and an oncologist will review your health and treatment history.
Make sure to let your nurse and doctor know if you’re having any new symptoms or having trouble doing your daily activities. You can also use this time to ask questions about the long-term effects of treatment, such as sleep problems or intimacy issues.
During this first visit, we may do a physical exam or order tests to check if the cancer may be coming back. We can perform risk assessments to learn if you’re at risk for other cancers. We’ll also suggest healthy lifestyle changes.
From here, we’ll come up with your follow-up medical plan and share it with your primary doctor. You will also receive a Cancer Treatment Summary and Survivorship Care Plan. This document reviews details of your cancer treatment and a plan for checking your health going forward.
The plan may recommend medical and support services such as:
Our Healing Care Program helps you on your journey to health during and after cancer treatment. Classes and one-on-one sessions are free to you and your family for two years after your last treatment date.
Healing Care sessions can be scheduled in medical oncology, before or after radiation, or at another time you choose, depending on the site. Video visits are also available on the first Thursday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon and the third Tuesday of the month from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
The program includes:
For more information or to schedule an appointment call 419-824-1952.
Living with cancer is not only physically, emotionally and spiritually taxing, but also sexually challenging. The experts at ProMedica Cancer Institute Women’s Sexual Health are specially trained in understanding the unique physical and emotional effects that cancer treatment can have on a woman’s sexuality. Some physiological examples include:
Your initial appointment at ProMedica Cancer Institute Women’s Sexual Health will last about 30 minutes. You’ll meet with one of our highly specialized sexual health providers to discuss your concerns and goals. They will also perform a physical exam.
We will work with you to design a plan that meets your individual needs. This plan may include:
Your doctor may refer you to the ProMedica Cancer Institute Women’s Sexual Health program, or you may contact us directly. To make an appointment or to learn more, please call 567-585-0393 and ask for a member of the ProMedica Cancer Institute Women’s Sexual Health team.
It’s important to stay active after cancer treatment. Getting back to the strength and mobility you may have lost can help you on your road to recovery. ProMedica’s Bridge to Fitness program offers an exercise plan that’s guided by professionals. Each exercise plan is tailored to your unique needs and fitness level.
If you’re interested in our Bridge to Fitness program, talk to your doctor or call 419-824-1733 to learn more.
There is a small cost to take part in the program (often less than $6 per session) and qualified participants pay nothing. These exercise classes are open to patients of ProMedica Cancer Institute, ProMedica Toledo Hospital Weight Loss Surgery Center and ProMedica Flower Hospital Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab programs.
Cancer treatment can change how you look, feel and go about your daily tasks. While these changes usually don’t last, it’s possible some will be long-term. It may be helpful to know that, as difficult as they are, some changes are common in people going through cancer treatment and recovery. If you need support as you deal with these changes, never be afraid to ask for help.
It’s common to go through some physical changes during cancer treatment. But it’s important to keep in mind that every person’s body responds to treatment in its own way. It’s common for cancer patients to go through these changes:
Some changes in your body may mean there are other health problems. Your treatment plan may need to be adjusted. Always talk with your doctor if you have any of these changes:
Cancer treatment can affect the way you feel and think. As your body changes, the way you see and think about yourself can also change. This is normal and you shouldn’t feel afraid or ashamed to share what you’re dealing with.
Mental and emotional changes may include:
Many people have changes in their appetite as they go through cancer treatment. Because of certain medicines, you may not feel hungry. However, it’s very important to eat nutritious, balanced meals. A healthy diet can help you stay strong. Certain foods can even help you manage some side effects of cancer treatment such as nausea and fatigue.
Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about your diet or appetite. Your doctor can make meal suggestions or connect you with a dietitian who can address specific concerns.
You may want to keep a daily record of what you eat and drink. Note the type of food you eat, how much you eat and what time you eat. This can help your doctor learn if you’re getting the right nutrients and enough calories.
The following tips can help you meet your daily dietary needs.
We know cancer treatment can feel overwhelming. We want you to focus on getting better, not trying to keep tests, treatment and doctors straight. A member of your care team or a personal nurse navigator will guide you through every step of treatment, including:
As a cancer survivor, you may want to support other patients and their families who have been touched by cancer. Whether you donate goods or services, take part in a fundraising event or make a tax-deductible monetary gift, your help makes a major, positive impact.
As a not-for-profit organization, our cancer services can always use charitable gifts. Donations are used to improve treatment technology, enhance community awareness and provide support programs for people and families who are dealing with the overwhelming effects of cancer.