MedifocusHealth

• teaching patients and families to navigate the complexities of the health-care system
• helping with financial and health insurance issues
• assisting family members in adjusting to new roles and responsibilities
• arranging home health care for patients requiring home-based treatments
• providing access to local, state, and government agencies that provide social and health services
• helping cancer patients deal with employees and return to work issues

Mental Health Professionals - A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating psychological and emotional disturbances in cancer patients (e.g., anxiety, fear, depression, self-image issues) is an integral member of the comprehensive cancer team who can help patients better cope and adjust to living with cancer.

Clergy - A trusted member of the clergy can provide spiritual guidance, reassurance, and hope to cancer patients and their families.

Sex Therapists - A sex therapist can help cancer patients who experience a reduced libido or other sexual problems that may develop as a consequence of the cancer itself or treatment related side-effects.

Family and Friends - Family, friends, and long-term acquaintances who know you best are one of your most important support networks and can provide emotional support, guidance, and encouragement both during and long after you completed your course of cancer therapy. Now, more than ever, you need to open-up to your family and friends and share your feelings, fears, and emotions with them. They will appreciate your willingness to trust and confide in them and you will benefit from their reassurance, encouragement, positive attitude, and continuous love.

Organizations and Support Groups - A broad range of organizations and support groups that specialize in helping cancer patients and their families represent a valuable source of support, networking, access to services, and for obtaining important educational cancer materials. Some of these major organizations may be located in your city and some cancer support groups may even have branches in your neighborhood. Joining a cancer support group may be one of the most important steps you take to help yourself on the road to recovery. Networking and with other cancer patients and cancer survivors who understand and share your fears and concerns can be an important source of consolation, comfort, and peace of mind knowing that you are not alone in this battle. Other cancer patients have been down this road before and learning about their personal experiences and coping strategies can help you work your way through this difficult period in your life.