The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis and the treatment can be devastating. That's why Texas Health is committed to caring for the whole patient — body, mind, and spirit.
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Nurse Navigators
To assist patients and family members through the cancer-care journey, some Texas Health hospitals offer patient navigation to guide patients from a cancer diagnosis through treatment, rehabilitation and survivorship.
Oncology nurse navigators are available to guide and support patients throughout their treatment journey. Nurse navigators provide information on resources and plans of care.
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Cancer Resource Specialist
Texas Health Dallas, in conjunction with Texas Oncology and Cancer Support Community, is proud to offer a unique survivorship navigation program that aids in survivors’ achievement of their optimal quality of life by focusing on mitigating the psychosocial and emotional health and quality of life challenges faced by cancer survivors.
Our cancer resource specialist, a master’s level licensed social worker, assesses and refers survivors to appropriate resources that remove these barriers. They help facilitate access to services. They may assist with care coordination, provide general survivor education, and empower survivors to optimize time with clinicians and seek appropriate follow-up care.
For more information about the survivorship navigation program or to contact our cancer resource specialist, please call 214-345-8428.
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Cancer Support Community North Texas
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 Resources has joined with Cancer Support Community North Texas to offer patients comprehensive support services on the Texas Health Dallas and Plano campuses.
Cancer Support Community North Texas offers:
- Education
- Survivor support
- Support groups
- Wellness and lifestyle workshops
- Social connections
- Children's program
- Decision counseling
- Bereavement
For more information, visit the Cancer Support Community North Texas website and find a location near you.
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Nutrition ServicesRegistered dietitians work with cancer inpatients that are coping with nutrition-related side effects of their particular cancer or course of treatment. This includes a thorough nutrition assessment to address symptom management and education about appropriate foods to meet each patient's needs. Dietitians set practical and achievable goals for patients to help manage symptoms and improve health.
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Social Work
The effects of cancer and its treatment can present unique challenges, which is why Texas Health offers social workers who can help patients and their families navigate the maze of medical, emotional and social services they may need as they cope with cancer.
Social workers provide education, support, and referrals to resources that can help meet patient and family needs. The process 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
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Cancer Resource Centers
Cancer Resource Centers are located at Texas Health Fort Worth and Texas Health Dallas. They contain a compilation of resources and information, provided by the American Cancer Society (ACS), Cancer Support Community North Texas, as well as resources collected by the physicians on the medical staff, nurses and affiliates of Texas Health, providing patients, families and the community with access to a wealth of information.
Trained volunteers are available to speak to patients and families about a wide variety of resources available to them through the ACS, Cancer Support Community, and Texas Health Resources. -
Spiritual Support
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. Chaplains understand how life is different after a cancer diagnosis and can visit patients daily.
Chaplains also offer a pastoral presence through prayer, encouragement and a listening ear. With the patient's permission, the chaplain can also assist in locating the patient's own clergy or a member of their faith community.
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About the Bluebonnet Retreat
Bluebonnet Retreat offers, at no charge, a unique experience for adult cancer patients. During the three-day, two-night camp, attendees are provided a creative, educational atmosphere of support with a focus on wellness.
The retreat provides:
- A time for laughing, learning and listening
- Arts and crafts
- Physical activities
- A time for sharing and caring
- Cancer education
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Who sponsors the retreat?
Bluebonnet Retreat is a special project of Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford. It is funded through donations.
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Who can attend?
Ambulatory adults age 18 or older who have been diagnosed with cancer within the past five years are invited to attend.
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Who are the camp buddies?
Camp buddies are members of the Texas Health HEB team, Texas Health Resources family and community volunteers. Camp buddies and visitors include physicians, nurses, social workers, dietitians, physical and occupational therapists, radiation therapists, chaplains, cancer survivors, and volunteers.
To apply for a camp buddy position, please download this cover letter and complete the registration form.
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What is the campsite like?
LAKEVIEW CAMP AND RETREAT CENTER opened in 1997 as a nonprofit organization operating as a subordinate of the North Texas District Assemblies of God. Situated on 330-acres with a 30-acre lake as its centerpiece, Lakeview’s excellent choices in accommodations, meeting spaces, recreational activities, and friendly, skilled staff make it a premier camp, retreat, and conference facility. Campers and Camp buddies will stay in comfortable guest rooms with roomy accommodations. A list of items campers should bring will be provided. Please note this camp is a non-smoking and alcohol-free facility.
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How do I get there?
Transportation is provided from Texas Health HEB to and from the ranch on the first and last day of camp. If you wish, you may provide your own transportation.
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Who do I contact?
Bluebonnet Retreat is held twice a year, during the spring and fall. You will be notified when we have received your application.
Since attendance is limited to 24, selection of campers may be based on participation in previous camps. First time campers will receive priority. You will be notified two weeks prior to camp to let you know whether or not you have been selected.
To be considered for the camp, complete and send the online application.
For more information, contact Traci Burnett at TraciBurnett@texashealth.org.
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Apply for the Bluebonnet Retreat
