Cancer treatment is different for each person, and it’s important to know as much as you can about the cancer treatment options your doctor recommends for you. California Pacific Medical Center has created Learning Resources, a health education program, where you can find out more about cancer treatment as well as other health conditions.
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are two medical cancer treatment options that your doctor may have recommended for you. Having radiation at California Pacific Medical Center involves you and your interdisciplinary team. Each staff member of the interdisciplinary team has a different role and responsibility in providing your care during your radiation therapy at California Pacific Medical Center. Having radiation therapy may bring up some questions for you such as:
What
is radiation therapy?
What
is the role of radiation therapists in a Radiation Oncology Department?
What
is simulation?
Answers to questions like these and more can be found by visiting Patients' Frequently Asked Questions, a new online medical question and answer center featuring physicians at California Pacific Medical Center. This learning tool was developed by more than 120 patients, family members, staff and physicians at California Pacific Medical Center.
Educational consultations, groups, and programs in support of your cancer treatment are widely available at California Pacific Medical Center. You may also schedule short-term counseling with a social worker. Assistance and support are provided in the areas of employment, transportation, in-home care, coping, caregiver stress, etc. Referrals can also be made to various community and hospital services.
Our Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an advanced practice nurse who has received extensive training in cancer treatment. This nurse can help you to gain an understanding of how to make important decisions about health care for you or a loved one. For example, men who are considering options for the best prostate cancer treatment may benefit from a consultation with the Oncology CNS. Guided discussion in supporting your knowledge about treatment options can enable you to make informed decisions. The CNS will also coordinate other appropriate services during you or your loved one's hospitalization to improve your quality of care, helping you transition to and from different levels of care.
At our Health and Healing Clinic, you can learn more about alternative treatment, which involves the mind, body and spirit in the healing process. Staffed by board-certified, Western-trained physicians, along with other skilled caregivers trained in alternative cancer treatment, the clinic works with both the patient and his or her doctors to identify appropriate alternative treatment options. By integrating services at the Health & Healing Center with conventional patient care, the Center provides a unique resource for total health. Herbal treatments are just one example of what you may find there. Ancient healing approaches are applied to help restore your body's natural balance. Western, Chinese, and Ayurvedic approaches make healing changes in your diet, including appropriate herbs and supplements.
Classes available from the Institute for Health and Healing include:
Women and Cancer: A Healing Program This is for women either undergoing or who have completed cancer treatment.
Lifestyle Planning Consultation These are consultations with a physician designed for the planning and management of one's life-style, life skills and life choices.
Integrative Yoga Therapy for Women with Cancer This is an alternative cancer treatment designed specifically for women living with cancer.
