OVERVIEW: Offers a comprehensive cancer treatment support program providing practical assistance, counseling, and supportive services to patients and their families during cancer treatment. Certified member of MD Anderson Cancer Network.

1) ADVANCE CARE PLANNING: Assistance in completing advance care planning documentation.

2) DIETARY CONSULT for PATIENTS: Dietary consult available upon request, at no cost to current patients. Contact the CTC nursing staff, social worker, or medical oncologist to arrange an appointment.

3) EDUCATION PROGRAMS: Offers cancer educational and support programs for patients, caregivers, and the public.

4) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Temporary financial assistance available to qualified cancer patients who need help paying for medicine, dietary supplements, and durable medical supplies.

5) FINANCIAL COUNSELING: Helps patients identify and apply for appropriate programs to cover medical expenses. Contact Irene Hollis, Financial Counseling at 240-566-4337.

6) INFORMATION and REFERRAL: Offers guidance about non-affiliated support and educational programs.

7) PATIENT LIBRARY: Books, videos, audio tapes available at free lending library in the Regional Cancer Center. Assists with computer searches for cancer patients and their families. For further information contact the Social Work Department, 240-566-4699.

8) PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT and COUNSELING: Oncology social workers offer support for issues related to adjustment in lifestyle, dealing with emotions, coping with side effects of treatment, changes in body image, effects of cancer on sexuality and relationships, managing stress, and communication with family, friends, and co-workers.

9) ROAD to RECOVERY TRANSPORTATION: Volunteer drivers provide transportation for ambulatory cancer patients to and from their treatments.

10) TRANSITIONS TO WELLNESS PROGRAM: Workshop designed as toolkit to assist in transition from treatment to life as breast cancer survivor. Contact Denise O'Neill at 301-418-6766 or [email protected].

SUPPORT GROUPS:

1) BLADDER CANCER ADVOCACY NETWORK (BCAN): Provides direct support for bladder cancer patients and their loved ones through BCAN connection. Visit bcan.org for more information.

2) BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP at FREDERICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Breast cancer support group for survivors, newly diagnosed to long term remission. Meets 2nd Thursday of month at 7pm in FCC classroom Student Center, H-106D. For more information, contact Anne-Lynn Gross Breast Cancer Resource Center at 301-846-2483 or www.frederick.edu/adultservices.

3) CANCER SUPPORT: For those who have been diagnosed with cancer and their family members/caregivers. Meetings are Fridays from 10-11:30AM at Monocacy Valley Church, 9861 Old National Pike, Ijamsville, MD 21754. For further information please call 301-865-9100 or e-mail [email protected].

4) LOOK GOOD / FEEL BETTER SUPPORT GROUP: Assists female cancer patients in coping with appearances related to side effects of cancer treatment.

5) PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: Provides information and support with practical and personal issues that often accompany treatment. Also host a variety of special speakers and events. Group meets 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM (January thru October). Contact Bert Hauver, group president at 240- 566-4715 for further information.

6) SOS (Survivors Offering Support): Program pairs informed and trained cancer survivor volunteers with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Volunteers share their personal breast cancer experiences and provide emotional support to new patients. Contact Denise O'Neill - Volunteer Coordinator at 301-418-6766 or [email protected].