Helping Patients and Families Cope With Advanced Cancer

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming.  For patients diagnosed with an advanced form of cancer, the issues and concerns can be particularly challenging.  To help patients and their loved ones cope with an advanced or late stage cancer diagnosis, the Joan Karnell Cancer Center has developed the Supportive Care Clinic.

“One of our goals is to help patients and their loved ones begin the conversation about the impact of a cancer diagnosis, particularly advanced-stage cancer,” said Clara Granda-Cameron, MSN, CRNP, clinic coordinator.  “Often there are important decisions, both medical and personal, that need to be made immediately. This can be very stressful.”

Patients are encouraged to contact the clinic shortly after receiving a cancer diagnosis. This allows the team to establish a relationship with the patient and their support network. The team consists of Granda-Cameron, a palliative care physician and oncology social workers.

The team works with patients and their loved ones to address issues and concerns such as:

• Symptom management such as pain, nausea, lack of appetite, fatigue, shortness of  breath, and others
• Emotional issues such as sadness or anxiety
• Financial or health insurance concerns
• Job, family issues, and goals of care
• Coordination of care

In addition, the Supportive Care Clinic team works in collaboration with the patient’s healthcare provider, offering an extra layer of support. In this way, everyone involved in the patient’s care is working together to help alleviate stress so that patients can focus on fighting their cancer and maintaining the best quality of life.

Because issues can arise throughout cancer treatment, the one-hour sessions can be scheduled as needed.  During a typical session the team meets with the patient and family together, then allows the opportunity for one-on-one sessions at the patient’s or family’s request.

“There are some issues that, perhaps, patients and their loved ones have had difficulty discussing at home. The one-on-one session is a chance to have the support of the team to help them talk through their concerns,” said team member Dana Marcone DeDonato, MSW, LSW.

“The clinic provides a place for patients and their families to discuss what matters most to them and provides a safe environment for them to ask questions and to get honest answers,” said DeDenato.  “Patients who have come to the clinic report that they are ‘relieved’ by the support provided and the knowledge that there is a team of people available to them to help process their experience of cancer and help with decision making.”

To schedule an appointment or for more information on the Supportive Care Clinic, please contact Clara Granda-Cameron, MSN, CRNP at 215-829-8023.

Learn more about the Pain and Supportive Care Program at the Joan Karnell Cancer Center at Pennsylvania Hospital.