Body, Mind and Spirit Texas Health Dallas recognizes that the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis and the treatment can be devastating. That's why the hospital is committed to caring for the whole patient - body, mind and spirit. From support groups and chaplains to social workers and nurse navigators, Texas Health Dallas provides you the support you need to cope with cancer.
Melanie Christina, M.D., a physician on the medical staff at Texas Health Dallas, talks about how the patient and family are cared for during difficult end of life situations.
Support Groups The diagnosis and treatment of cancer can leave a person living with the disease and their family feeling overwhelmed, afraid, out of control and alone. Coping with these emotions, as well as the many physical challenges of cancer, can be difficult.
Texas Health Dallas offers a number of support groups for people living with cancer and their family and friends, which provide emotional and social support in a safe and supportive atmosphere. People in support groups:
Talk about what it is like to have cancer
Share tips on ways to cope with cancer and treatment side effects
Learn about what's new in cancer treatment
Talk about experiences, problems and solutions
Help each other feel better
Inspire hope
Help dispel loneliness
Social Work A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and the effects of the disease and its treatment can present unique challenges. That's why Texas Health Dallas provides a social worker specifically dedicated to the oncology unit who can help patients and their families navigate the maze of medical, emotional and social services they may need as they cope with cancer.
Our social worker provides education, support and referrals to resources that can help meet patient and family needs. Our social worker begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's situation and available oncology resources and then provides assistance with issues, including:
Financial resources and assistance
Medical equipment for home use
Lodging and transportation
Information and assistance with advance directives
Finding nearby support groups and other support resources
Transferring to rehabilitation services/skilled nursing care as appropriate
Hospice care
Other discharge planning needs
Advocates for the patient, within the hospital and the community
For social work services, please contact Michelle Vickers, LBSW, at 214-345-7985.
Spiritual Support As a faith-based organization, Texas Health Dallas recognizes the importance of caring for the whole person - body, mind and spirit - both in the practice and delivery of health care and in the life of the organization.
To help meet the pastoral and spiritual needs of patients and family members, a chaplain is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Texas Health Dallas has a chaplain who is specifically dedicated to the oncology unit. The chaplain understands how life is different after a cancer diagnosis and visits patients each day. The chaplain offers a pastoral presence through prayer, encouragement and a listening ear. With the patient's permission, the chaplain will assist in locating the patient's own clergy or a member of their faith community.
Whether celebrating the remission of the disease or providing spiritual counsel to patients and families coping with terminal illness or loss, the hospital's chaplains recognize that for people of all faiths, and people of none, cancer engages our spirits. From spiritual struggles to spiritual insights, our chaplains are fully committed to supporting cancer patients and their family members.
The Jackson Chapel, located on the first floor of the Jackson Building, is available 24 hours a day. The chapel is a quiet sanctuary for prayer and meditation. The doors are open for all to sit, reflect and pray. A worship service is held in the chapel at 1 p.m. each Sunday. Patients and their family members can find prayer pamphlets in the chapel and on the oncology unit. A prayer booklet is available in the chapel for patients and family members to write their own thoughts and prayers. You can speak with a chaplain at any time via our page operator at 214-345-8480. You can also ask your nurse to make a referral, or contact the pastoral care department during business hours at 214-345-7158.
Women's Resource Center Texas Health Dallas strives to help women gain the awareness and information they need about cancer through the Women's Cancer Resource Center. Located in the Margot Perot Center for Women and Infants where many of the breast care services are provided, the center can help connect you to support services, the high risk breast cancer program and our genetic counseling and testing program.
Volunteers, who themselves are breast cancer survivors, assist in staffing the Resource Center and are available to provide reassurance to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Information is available in the center's library on many topics, including:
Breast health
Breast cancer
Gynecological cancers including, uterine, cervical and ovarian
