Cancer can be life-changing – not just for patients, but for their families as well. More than just a physical trial, it can also be emotionally trying. Before, during and even after your treatment, Montgomery Cancer Center will be there with care and support services centered around you and your needs. We’ve found that information and support are among the best treatments for the anxiety and uncertainty felt by those diagnosed with cancer.
To help lessen the emotional stress during this time, we encourage you to let others help share your burden. This may be through support groups with others facing cancer; through regular meetings with a spiritual advisor; or simply through forming stronger bonds with family and friends.
Although each patient’s needs are unique, the following sections may help provide you with good, practical information as well as suggestions for support.
Cancer Wellness Foundation of Central Alabama is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping cancer patients in the area. Located on-site at Montgomery Cancer Center, the foundation provides a wide range of support to cancer patients, including the services of a licensed social worker, dietician, patient advocate and volunteers.
The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported entirely by donations from individuals, businesses and granting organizations. (Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law; Tax ID 72-1366767.) To learn more about the Montgomery Wellness Foundation, visit www.montgomerycancer.com.
Cancer doesn't just impact your health. It affects your life, your job and your relationships. Available by request or referral from your doctor or nurse, our licensed clinical social worker can help you and your loved ones cope and adjust during this difficult time. In addition to supportive counseling to address any emotional concerns about diagnosis, treatment and care, he or she can also provide referrals to a variety of organizations to help with financial assistance, transportation, home medical equipment, home nursing care and other services.
Cancer patients often require supplemental, at-home oral medications vital to the treatment regimen. Medications can manage side effects of chemotherapy and radiation or combat the disease directly. The expense of some prescription medications makes them unaffordable for families with limited or no insurance coverage and some specialty medications may not be covered by insurance. Our patient advocate is available to guide you and your family through the process of obtaining free or low-cost medications through pharmaceutical manufacturers and assistance groups.
Keeping your body as healthy and nourished as possible is vital to the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments. Our registered, licensed dietician provides nutritional counseling and guidance to you and your family. This guidance is designed to help alleviate side effects and ensure the most successful treatment outcome. There is no charge for this service, and appointments can be arranged around your schedule.
Our volunteer staff is always available to assist you with a kind word or a helping hand. They're easily identified by the teal-colored smocks they wear, and are happy to assist in providing personal comfort items such as blankets, refreshments, wheelchair transportation, wigs, breast prosthetics, logistics and more.
When you visit the Center, you'll notice the open-air treatment areas. Here, you can literally see that you're not alone. At Montgomery Cancer Center, we encourage you to build bonds of friendship with other patients. Several patients and their family members have formed support groups - such as Women of Hope - that meet regularly to share their experiences. These groups can be a great source of comfort and strength.
You can also be a source of strength for others by joining the Community Oncology Alliance (COA). COA is a non-profit organization that advocates for patients and providers in the community oncology setting, where more than 8 out of 10 Americans with cancer are treated.
In less than a decade, COA has mobilized community oncology to become more politically active, and is currently working with those on Capitol Hill to provide proactive solutions to protect the viability of the nation's cancer care delivery system and patients' access to quality, affordable cancer care. COA has also brought together practices from across the country to share information to enhance the effectiveness of patient care. To learn more about how you can make a difference with COA, visit www.communityoncology.org.
Visit Our Other Care Centers: Montgomery Breast Center / Carmichael Imaging
Call us: (334) 273-7000 | Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 5PM
© 2010 Montgomery Cancer Center, 4145 Carmichael Road Montgomery, AL 36106
