Support During Treatment
Learning the stories of others who have been in situations similar to your own can be the most helpful resource you come across during your cancer journey.
Knowing that you are not alone in your struggle can be reassuring and inspiring.
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Support groups aren't for everyone though. Many people prefer one on one support which is often more personalized. Counselors or therapists can provide you with advice on how to manage stress and emotions throughout your cancer journey, and address issues that are most important to you.
Hospitals or clinics may also have a number of services available to patients while they're receiving treatment. These services can include:
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1. Social Services
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Social workers can help you and your family with common, practical problems such as:​
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Transportation/ Housing issues
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Financial concerns
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Employment concerns
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Emotional and Psychotherapy Support
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Help with daily activities
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Cultural or language differences
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Finding help for family and caregivers
2. Psychotherapy/ Emotional Support
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Some clinics may also have Counselors to provide emotional support for patients and their families or caregivers, and run cancer education classes and support groups that meet in person or online.
3. Financial support
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For immediate financial assistance, the best option is to ask your healthcare provider to refer you to a social worker, who will tell you if you qualify for local, provincial, and federal resources.
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If you are working, find out which benefits you can access through your employer, such as sick days, a leave of absence, or disability benefits.
4. Spiritual support
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In a time of crisis, many people benefit from speaking with a person from their spiritual or religious group.
Today, many clergy will see these who don’t have their own clergy or religious counselor.
5. Nutritional/ Dietary Support
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Some types of cancer treatment may make it difficult to eat or consume adequate calories and nutrients.
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A Registered Dietician can help you create a meal plan and provide tips on how to increase your calorie intake while managing treatment side effects.
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They can also teach you which foods will give you more energy and which you should be staying away from.
6. Advanced Care Planning/
Palliative Care
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Advanced care planning makes it possible for palliative patients to live their final days as they wish.
For those that wish to be in the comfort of their own homes, a personal homecare worker can provide personal care as well as housework and meal preparation.
Your journey doesn't end when you finish treatment. Sometimes it can be the most difficult time. Click here to read about life after treatment.