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The diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelming, frightening, even frustrating for patients and their families. Sometimes there are many options for care. Other times there are few. But, you do have choices and rights when it comes to your health.
At St. Francis, every patient has the right to seek or discontinue a course of treatment. You also have the right to experience relief from suffering and to maintain the best quality of life available under any circumstance, regardless of what decision you make. Our Palliative Medicine team will work together to manage your needs and improve your overall quality of life.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care focuses on your comfort and quality of life through your cancer diagnosis and treatment. Palliative care is meant to provide you relief from pain and related symptoms, rather than a cure, while respecting and treating your physical, emotional and spiritual needs for the duration of your illness.
This patient-centered care becomes a partnership between you and your health care providers to coordinate the best care, with respect to your wishes and needs. It also provides a support system to you and your loved ones through all stages of cancer.
Who is the Palliative Medicine team?
The Palliative Medicine team at St. Francis includes physicians, oncologists, nurses, social workers, therapists, psychologists and spiritual care staff all working together for your care. The team will help you through that decision-making process when a change in health care priorities is necessary. They will provide you relief from pain and other distressing symptoms, and serve as a support system to you and your loved ones during an illness.
Who can receive palliative care?
Palliative care is available for anyone facing physical, emotional or spiritual challenges from the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
When is palliative care available?
Palliative care may be given during and after cancer treatment. As your needs change, whether physical or emotional, palliative care can help you face new challenges and find answers and support for ongoing challenges.
During cancer treatment, palliative care includes:
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Relief of physical symptoms, such as pain and nausea
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Physical or occupational therapy
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Counseling
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Emotional support
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Assistance with health care decisions
Following cancer treatment, palliative care includes:
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Pain management and relief
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Care planning
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Ongoing emotional support for you and your family
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Individualized care plans for your physical and emotional needs
Palliative care, as provided by hospice, may include:
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Pain management and relief
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Emotional support
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Spiritual care
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Grief counseling for family
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Funeral or memorial service plans
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Assistance with advance directives
Contact: St. Francis Palliative Medicine Team
Cecilia Quade, Director
(317) 783-8911
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