Cancer Fighters Thrive is a quarterly print and online magazine bringing readers practical, innovative and inspirational information about cancer treatment and survivorship.
Issue link: http://cancerfightersthrive.epubxp.com/i/103434
SPECIAL FEATURE works to resolve any concerns and regularly communicates with the patient's entire CTCA care team to ensure immediate and continual symptom management throughout treatment and beyond. "The goal of the Quality of Life Center is to provide comprehensive, hopeful solutions, including medical and integrative therapies and services, to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of our oncology patients at all phases of their care," Dr. Stephenson explains. "Upon entering treatment, the patient is viewed as a survivor, and all resources are focused on improving his Tom Lay; Chris M. Stephenson, DO; Sara Mortenson or her quality of life." of America® (CTCA) in Zion, Illinois, This does not happen by accident; rather, explains that when patients experience it is an intentional, well-researched, and THE WHOLE PATIENT symptoms such as pain or fatigue, it can targeted approach that has resulted in the Cancer is just one piece of the puzzle. not only affect their ability to perform creation of special clinics designed to focus Many patients diagnosed with cancer are activities of daily living but also interfere on the wants and the needs of patients. living with other chronic conditions— The Quality of Life Centers at CTCA referred to as comorbidities—such as offer a unique, innovative approach to diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, helping patients navigate cancer and obesity, addressed properly or controlled or maintain the best quality of life possible. commonly experience many symptoms managed, then we're not going to have The clinics are an integral component as a result of cancer treatment, the most compliance with treatment, and we're not of each hospital and provide a central common of them being fatigue, pain, going to have success—leading to greatly location for addressing and managing neuropathy, nausea, anxiety, depression, diminished outcomes," Dr. Stephenson symptoms as well as coordinating and sexual dysfunction. says. treatment. with treatment and even the response to that treatment. "If one of those issues is not being and many more. Patients The Quality of Life Center is a place, "There are different patients who are PUTTING QUALITY OF LIFE FIRST outside of regular oncologic care, where candidates for different therapies," explains patients can address any issues that might Dr. Stephenson. "These therapies have to be At CTCA® cancer treatment and quality interfere with their daily living. The spe- monitored and modulated for the specific of life go hand in hand, with doctors and cially trained medical professionals work- condition of the patient." patients working together through all ing with patients oversee the big picture For example, patients with severe stages of treatment and follow-up care. and treat the patient as a whole. The team cardiac disease may not be candidates for Mistie Bickford and her mother, Kim, often exercise together. 28 cancer fighters thrive | spring 2013 cfthrive.com