“People come into their cancer experience with a lot of strength,resilience and flexibility. They're survivors of whatever their life has put in front of them.”
Janice Pazar, RN, NCC, Ph.D.
Cancer affects far more than the body; the emotional well being of a patient must be considered as well. An otherwise perfectly healthy, well-adjusted individual is suddenly forced to face his or her own mortality. When one is diagnosed with cancer, they commonly experience anxiety and stress. Side effects from drugs used to treat the cancer may also create problems ranging from insomnia to sexual dysfunction. In addition to the patient's needs, we consider the needs of family members, caregivers and co-workers.
Recognition of these problems led The West Clinic to establish a team that focuses on the psychological health of patients and their caregivers. Patients may take advantage of short term counseling sessions that are designed to quickly address specific issues relating to their cancer. The value of these sessions has been recognized, and the service is now covered under many insurance policies as a medical expense like any other treatment.
The various topics our patients have found useful to their recovery include:
- Adjustment to Serious Illness
- Anxiety
- Body Image Issues
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Pain
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Smoking Cessation