By Fran Becker, Manager-Cancer Support Services, Bennett Cancer Center

Cancer. A diagnosis no one expects to hear. As with many illnesses, everyone’s journey is significantly different. At Stamford Health’s Bennett Cancer Center, we promise to meet your changing needs from diagnosis through treatment, and into survivorship. It’s all about helping you maintain strength, stamina and hope. To fulfill this promise, our staff offers a number of supportive care services.

1. Nurse Navigation
A Nurse Navigator is far from your typical RN. They’re trained to understand that diagnosis and treatment can be confusing and sometimes frightening. Early on, you’ll be introduced to a Navigator to help get questions answered, connect you with resources and education, assist with coordination of care, identify any barriers to timely care, and refer you to additional support services as needed. From the initial consultation to follow-up care, the Nurse Navigator provides a constant, familiar face and acts as your ally.

2. Collaborative Membership
Stamford Hospital’s Bennett Cancer Center’s membership in the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Care Collaborative enhances staff access to educational opportunities and the ability to consult with medical specialists at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center in Boston regarding complex cases. In addition, patients will have greater access to the latest cancer research and clinical trials. The practices and procedures of DF/BWCCC members are reviewed annually and new innovations and standards in patient cancer care will be shared and rapidly implemented at member hospitals.

3. Individual & Family Counseling
When faced with cancer, many topics come to mind. Our counseling team is available to you by appointment and at no charge. Together, we’ll discuss:

• Coping with your cancer
• How to be open with your loved ones
• Managing common workplace challenges
• Living your life during cancer treatment

Talk to us. We’re here to help. Call Support Services at 203.276.7841.

4. Oncology Rehabilitation
We work with you to minimize the adverse effects of cancer treatment by assessing you before your treatment begins. This allows us to identify and measure any changes you experience both during and after treatment. We work together to develop a flexible, individualized care plan that increases your strength and improves your overall quality of life.

If you have questions or need assistance, call 203.276.7827.

5. Self-Confidence Preservation
We understand how overwhelming the chemotherapy process can be. We also recognize the devastation that can come during and after hair loss, a common side effect in many chemotherapies. The FDA has recently approved the DigniCap® scalp cooling system, created to help prevent hair loss for women undergoing certain chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer. We’re happy to offer this opportunity at Stamford Health for those interested. Please note that at this time, there are out of pocket costs to use DigniCap and it is not covered by insurance.

How does DigniCap work? Find out here.

6. Integrative Medicine Program
This program is an evidence-based approach that combines traditional scientific medicine, psychology, nursing, nutrition, exercise physiology and belief to enhance the natural healing capacities of the body and mind. We offer you the opportunity to experience a range of therapies in combination with conventional cancer treatment at no cost to you.

You can reach the Integrative Medicine Program and Supportive Services/Survivorship Program by calling 203.276.7841.

7. Expression Through Art
Art has proven healing properties. At the root of creative and personal expression is the opportunity to thrive and experience a positive impact both for yourself and those around you. We’re pleased to offer our Expression Through Art program for those with cancer and their loved ones at diagnosis, during treatment and into survivorship. The program uses art to enhance healing. The program is currently open to patients of the Bennett Cancer Center, their family members and friends. The schedule is as follows:

• Tuesdays: 10am-12pm; 5pm-7pm
• Wednesdays: 10am-12pm

8. Survivorship Program
The end of active treatment moves you into the next phase of your journey. Our survivorship program is designed to help you live beyond cancer and assist in your return to wellness. After treatment, we’ll make sure you have access to nutrition consultation and workshops, exercise programs, psychosocial counseling, integrative medicine, and special wellness and educational programs.

This is the interaction of mind and body. This is Healing. Reimagined.