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Cancer Care
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Help Along the WayHealthEast Cancer Care takes pride in providing a complete circle of care. From diagnosis through treatment and beyond, you'll have access to a range of services and health professionals from across our care system. Clinical trialsEach year, HealthEast has an opportunity to participate in more than 100 Phase II and III trials covering everything from surgery to chemotherapy to cancer prevention. Each study is designed to answer scientific questions and find new and better ways to help patients. All proposed trials are reviewed to be sure they meet ethical and safety guidelines. Potential participants meet with their doctors to discuss the risks, benefits, procedures and treatment plan of the clinic trial. Customer AdvocacyHealth care can be complex and confusing, especially when you’re dealing with serious health issues. HealthEast Customer Advocacy (651-232-5150) exists to actively and compassionately advocate for patients. Staff are experienced in nursing, social service and insurance counseling. Services are available to HealthEast patients without cost and may include:
Reimbursement information is also available for those who want to know how much their insurance company is contracted to pay for a specific service or procedure at HealthEast. Education and supportEducational programs and support groups bring patients and loved ones together in a supportive environment. A variety of support groups are held at various HealthEast locations. The annual Many Faces of Hope Women's Cancer Survivorship Conference offers a day of education, inspiration and celebration. GeneticsKnowing your cancer risk can affect the way we approach cancer prevention, detection and treatment. The HealthEast Cancer Genetics Clinic (651-232-7970) offers genetic counseling and testing to those who are concerned about their inherited cancer risk. Healing touchSome patients find that healing touch brings a sense of well being, relaxation and relief from symptoms. Healing touch is based on the belief that each person has an energy field in and around the body that can be influenced to promote health and healing. While you remain fully clothed, the healing touch provider uses gentle touch and hand motions on and above the body to facilitate the clearing and balancing of your energy field. Home CareHealthEast Home Care (651-232-2800) provides professional staff and services to care for you at home. Experienced nurses perform assessments, teaching and nursing procedures. They may collect lab speciments for testing or administer IV medication. Home Care works with your doctor and other caregivers to evaluate your progress and results. Hospice CareHealthEast Hospice Care (651-232-3312) provides care and support for people facing a life-limiting illness. Emphasizing quality of life, we help manage symptoms and assist with end-of-life issues. Through Hospice, patients are able to make the most of remaining time with family and friends. Hospice Care generally serves patients in their homes or at the Pillars, an 8-bed residential hospice home in Oakdale. Lymphedema supportLymphedema can develop when the lymph system is blocked and cannot drain fluid from the tissues. In those with cancer, it is sometimes caused by radiation or the removal of lymph nodes. HealthEast Vascular Center offers treatment and a support group for those with lymphedema. Nutrition CareHealthEast oncology dietitians help patients adjust to nutrition-related changes when going through cancer treatment. Anyone who has concerns or questions about nutrition and their cancer treatment may benefit from nutrition counseling. Osteoporosis CareOsteoporosis is a common disease that thins and weakens bones. Some cancer treatments reduce hormone levels, increasing the risk for osteoporosis. HealthEast Osteoporosis Care (651-232-0656) offers a full range of services to evaluate bone density, maximize bone strength and minimize the risk of bone loss. Pain management/Pain CarePain is often a major concern for cancer patients. Because each person’s pain is unique, individual pain management plans are carefully designed. We look to find the best pain controlling treatments so that patients can experience the best quality of life possible. Treatment through HealthEast Pain Care (651-232-5348) is also available. Palliative CareHealthEast Palliative Care (651-232-3350) can help reduce pain and symptoms associated with cancer and cancer treatment. In addition to treating physical pain and symptoms, we also assist with easing concerns, anxieties and difficult family situations. Physical therapy after prostate surgeryThrough HealthEast Optimum Rehabilitation, we offer a pelvic floor program for men with incontinence before and after prostate surgery. This service is offered at the Maplewood location. Social ServicesHealthEast has social workers on staff who are dedicated to helping Cancer Care patients. They assist patients and families connect with community resources such as support groups, transportation, meals and home care services. They may also assist with long range planning, advance directives, legal issues and insurance issues. Spiritual CareChaplains are a caring presence at all HealthEast Cancer Care locations. They offer spiritual assessments to patients of all faith backgrounds. They gently encourage exploring personal beliefs as a way to help heal and gain strength. Chaplains also provide education and counseling and help patients weave spirituality into their healing and recovery. Therapy (Counseling)HealthEast provides counseling and psychological support services to individuals and their families who are living with cancer. Mary Hughes, MA, LP, LICSW, is an oncology psychotherapist who provides these services to HealthEast Cancer Care patients.
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