Cancer Support Services
Patient Library
Rush-Copley offers a wide variety of useful resources to our patients and their familys in a friendly, comfortable setting. Computers, books, and informative brochures and pamphlets are available to all patients and families.
Breast Health Navigator
A breast health navigator is a specially trained nurse who will provide care for our breast health patients. A breast health navigator is responsible for coordinating diagnostic testing and care, providing educational information, informing patients of services and resources available, and keeping physicians informed of patient care.
Caring Forward - Cancer Survivorship Program
This program is designed to address the unique emotional, physical and social issues cancer survivors may face after treatment ends. We bring together healthcare experts to share information and resources to empower survivors. The next session is Tuesday, March 12, 6 to 8 p.m. at
Rush-Copley Heart Institute. The discussion will focus on nutrition. Learn More or Register Online
Nutrition Counseling
For More Information
Call 630-375-2859 or email NutriTherapy@rushcopley.com
Newly diagnosed cancer patients experience a great deal of change. They cope with physical changes to their body as well as the emotional stress of uncertainty and information “overload” and often an aggressive treatment plan that may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery. This
combination of factors can impact the diet and eating habits of even the
most motivated patient.
Rush-Copley’s Cancer Care Center is pleased to offer patients NutriTherapy, a comprehensive and proactive nutritional support program designed to complement their treatment plans. A registered dietitian works in concert with the patient’s care team to help reduce the risk of diet-related complications, especially for those managing specific types of cancer such as head, neck and digestive.
How it Works
In many instances, the type of cancer or the treatment for various cancers can result in a patient having nutrition-related issues. The goal of NutriTherapy is to intervene at the start of treatment to help patients cope with side effects from treatment and to make food choices that help sustain them while undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
Each new patient is assessed by the care team to determine their current nutritional status and is offered a consultation with the dietitian.
The care team encourages a patient to bring a significant other, family member or caregiver with them to the consultation to help ask questions and provide information.
The dietitian will continue to work with patients throughout their treatment as needed. There is no additional charge for this service. Once treatment is complete, patients requiring additional nutritional counseling will be referred to their primary care physician for follow-up.
What Patients Receive
During the consultation, patients will receive information that provides helpful hints for those whose treatment side effects result in common problems such as nausea, mouth sores, taste changes and more. Patients also learn about the importance of maintaining optimal nutrition and how it plays an important role in response to treatment and overall well-being. Inquiries and appointments can be made by calling 630-375-2859 or by emailing NutriTherapy@rushcopley.com or simply ask a Cancer Care team member for assistance.
Clinical Social Work and Professional Counseling
Our clinical social worker provides one-on-one professional counseling and support for individuals and families in coping with illness at all stages of diagnosis and treatment.
Social work and counseling can also assist with practical issues such as transportation, financial concerns and other common problems.
Financial Counseling
One-on-one counseling is available for patients and families seeking financial assistance. You can schedule an appointment with our financial counselor by calling the Cancer Center.
Medical Interpreters
Interpreter services work with patients and families to communicate in means other than spoken English at no charge to our patients. Our goal is to make sure patients and families receive vital medical information in a manner that is understood.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is treatment designed to manage pain and disease symptoms. Palliative care physicians are available to provide care from time of diagnosis throughout the course of illness.
Yoga
Yoga focuses on uniting the body, mind and spirit together as individuals practice different postures. It is available weekly, for for all patients in any stage of treatment at Rush-Copley's Healthplex.
Music Therapy
Music therapy uses the power of sound to encourage healing and promote a sense of well-being. Weekly sessions are available to patients undergoing treatment.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy helps reduce stress, anxiety and pain in patients undergoing cancer treatment. It is available to patients at the Cancer Center or the Healthplex while patients undergo treatment.
Spiritual care
Spiritual beliefs can be a great source of strength and comfort during cancer treatment. Rush-Copleys interfaith chapel is located on the second floor and is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for prayer and meditation. Clinically-trained chaplains are available and can be contacted through the nursing staff.
Support Groups
Professionally led groups provide a safe and affirming environment for learning alternative methods of coping, obtaining information about cancer and its treatments, gaining problem-solving skills, practicing communication and alleviate feelings of isolation.
Support groups are available for patients with Breast Cancer and Brain Tumors.
