I need your input - what makes a difference for you??
We have a new cancer treatment center being built in our small city - they're trying to keep people local for cancer treatments as many leave for treatment at other centers. They will have a cutting edge radiation machine, but as we cancer patients know, that's awesome, but so much more is needed.
I have an opportunity to present ideas from a cancer patients point of view - and I was hoping to get YOUR input - what things - big or little - make a difference for you with your treatments? What helps you cope? What makes - or would - make you absolutely love your treatment center? (From an aquarium in the chemo room to oncological social workers to walking paths - whatever would make you chose one facility over another for your treatments - what would make you feel totally cared for?)
Go at it!
Comments
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Seamlessly coordinated care. By this I mean that all the medical professionals who work with me have access to my entire medical history at the touch of a computer mouse.
Patient education; from chemo class to yoga and nutrition (even a weekly farmers market). It's all available to cancer patients at my center.
Flexible hours; the infusion center is open until 8:30 at night and on weekends. Many of us work so this is great.
I'll probably think of more. Good luck! -
While I don't expect most hospitals to have the resources Dana Farber has, their standard of care, the services, everything exbronxgrl says, it's all there. Most especially the wonderful way you are treated from the moment you park your car, walk in the front door, and feel you are being COMPLETELY taken care of - the kindness of every person I interact with still amazes and touches me, deeply.
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My cancer center has free valet parking, no tipping allowed ( all paid for with a grant). Love this and makes me feel so pampered! Plus, with cancer brain I don't have to stress over where I left my car!
A nearby cancer center has a small boutique that sells wigs, fits for prosthesis and bras, fun scarves, etc. So wish there were more of these places around. -
Yale has all of the above. One stop shopping if you please and valet parking which was very valuable during rads because you are so tired and don't want to walk to find your car. All doctors under one roof and all have access to my electronic records, test results etc.
They offer free massage, smoking cessation, dietician services, social worker, accupuncture and anything else you can think of including free tickets to local theater, concerts, sporting events etc for the cancer patients in active treatment. Could not be more pleased with my care.
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Awesome! I will include each and everyone of these great ideas!! Keep them coming!
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Having top doctors and coordinated care is of paramount importance, but I really appreciate the auxiliary services at my cancer center. The most important to me has been the weight management program which combines exercise/yoga three mornings a week with a trainer accredited to work with cancer patients and also has monthly meetings with a nutritionist and a nurse practitioner. For me, this works to improve my physical well-being at the same time as it's a social outlet and support group. We also have patient navigators who help coordinate these services and organize activities for patients like Look Good, Feel Better, support groups, and nutrition classes. Our boutique is funded by the American Cancer Society and provides all sorts of informative brochures and free wigs, hats, and scarves.
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FAST blood test results! When I had chemo, I could get my blood tested just prior to Oncologist appt. Within 30 minutes to 45 minutes my Oncologist knew what my blood counts were. It amazed me how fast they were at the Univ of Michigan! And I agree with what everyone else has said! One stop shop is important!
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Forgot to add, my center also has an amazing reference library. It is stocked with all kinds of free literature/pamphlets on all kinds of cancer. It also has cancer related books that can be checked out, just like in a real library. Free newspapers daily. Also, it is stocked with hats and afgans that are all donated by a local women's group - I received the most beautiful lap quilt for free the first time I went in there. Made me ball my eyes out; I was so touched.
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I started a thread entitled, "Infusion Room Etiquette." Some of what patients say is hilarious. Some comments, however, were quite serious. I suggest you read the thread and become acquainted with how many patients are cared for in the many different types of infusion rooms. Some infusion rooms work better than others.
I wish you well with your advocacy. -
In addition to coordinated care, I'd love it if medical professionals would tell you the costs of things upfront. Not everyone has good (or any!) health insurance yet, & they may need to plan for the bills. Cancer treatment is expensive, & that can really add to the stress of having the disease. I've read that most personal bankruptcies in the U.S. are caused by a family dealing with major medical bills, & now I'm not surprised.
Oh & if you're planning a brand new cancer center, try to locate it near major public transit hubs & major roads/freeway exits. That'll help people with limited transportation options get there more easily, either if they need to take the bus or they're having a friend drive them who's unfamiliar w/the neighborhood.
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I have to ask - when you say coordinated care, what exactly do you mean?
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on co-ordinated care: My center has a "Breast Care Co-ordinator" assigned to each bc patient. She is an RN. She is available during 12 hr day shifts, and on call for emergencies. She meets each patient between biopsy and diagnosis. So, when you are sent for biopsy, you meet your BCC. She explains the steps of the process, she explains insurance coverages and issues, she explains available programs in the area, helps you register with American Cancer Society, register for the Look Good Feel Better program, and so much more. She is just your advocate.
Mine also set up my appointments at Nordstroms to get my prosthesis, my bras and personal shopper to help with "fit".
She directed me to a "team" of physicians, covered by my insurance, who work together with patients. The team consisted of a breast surgeon, plastic surgeon, oncologist, etc... all who worked in different offices but had formed teams based on their experiences.
Literally held my hand through the process. SHE was my rock.
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Great - thanks for outlining that! We don't have anything like that here, so it will help me explain it!
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