Support Services
Cancer's toll is not just physical, but mental and spiritual as well. We offer a variety of compassionate, innovative services to help patients and their families cope with the demands of treatment.
Cancer Resource Library
Our Walk Among The Stars Cancer Resource Library offers the most current and accurate information on cancer treatments, outcomes and new developments. Offered in partnership with the American Cancer Society, our Resource Library provides free Internet access to numerous cancer resources, current medical journals, relaxation and motivational tapes, as well as books chosen as among the best loved by cancer survivors.
Staffed by trained volunteers, many of whom are cancer survivors, the library is a valuable resource for patients as well as the entire community. Located in the St. Jude Medical Plaza, inside the Virginia K. Crosson Cancer Center, the Resource Library is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (714) 992-3000 ext. 5617 for more information.
Clinical Social Workers
Clinical social workers address the emotional and social concerns of patients before, during and after treatment. This ongoing support and intervention helps patients cope with problems exacerbated by illness, including financial, employment and insurance issues. For more information, please call (714) 992-3000 ext. 2299.
Expressions Appearance Center
We offer expert, compassionate help in successfully managing the physical changes that cancer treatment might bring. Experienced consultants offer individualized attention, helping each patient discover a look that’s right for them.
One of the only boutiques of its kind in the county, Expressions offers a wide selection of specialty items designed to enhance each patient’s comfort and well-being during treatment and recovery, including:
- Synthetic wigs (dozens of wash and wear styles)
- Fashion headwear from A to Z, including hats, headwraps and scarves
- Intimate apparel for women who have had a mastectomy or are undergoing radiation treatment, including bras, breast forms and other specialized apparel
- Non-metallic deodorants and sunblocks
- Decorative canes and other accessories
- Books, gifts and more!
An appearance workshop is offered each month, Look Good . . . Feel Better, to help patients find a look that builds their confidence and well-being. Offered in partnership with the American Cancer Society, this workshop teaches make-up and skin care techniques, the use and care of wigs, and other helpful hints—giving patients both the tools and the confidence to discover a look that maintains their self-image.
Please call (714) 446-5870 for more information, or stop by and see us on the first floor of the St. Jude Medical Plaza, 2151 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton (across the street from the medical center). Open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Healing Touch
Healing Touch is a gentle, noninvasive therapy that supports the body’s natural healing process by restoring balance within the body’s energy system. Many cancer patients find healing touch to be helpful in relieving treatment side effects and reducing anxiety. This free service is available by calling (714) 992-3000 ext. 2937.
Home Health Care
Home health care brings skilled nursing care, rehabilitation therapies, and treatment options to the comfort of a patient’s own home. For more information on home health care click here or call (714) 992-3000 ext. 2551.
Hospice Care
Compassionate hospice care is offered to terminally ill patients and their families by a caring team of registered nurses, chaplains, social workers, and especially trained volunteers. Tailored to each patient’s needs and wishes, the team’s efforts focus on pain management and providing emotional and spiritual support. On-call care and services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Click here for more information or call (714) 712-9559.
Lymphedema Services
Certified therapists offer complete lymphedema services, from Comprehensive Decongestive Therapy (CDT) to help with skin care and adapting daily activities. For more information, call (714) 992-3000 ext. 2985.
Palliative Care
For patients with life-limiting conditions, Palliative Care offers compassionate medical care that focuses on comfort and relief of pain or other symptoms. While all other appropriate medical treatments may continue, the palliative care team—including advance practice nurses, social workers, chaplains and other professionals—work to improve a patient’s quality of life. By helping alleviate a patient’s physical, psychological, spiritual and practical burdens, palliative care gives patients a sense of control and allows them to live life more fully. For more information on our Palliative Care services click here.
Registered Dietitian
Our registered dietitian provides nutritional advice to help patients prevent weight loss, manage treatment side effects, and maintain their strength and energy levels. For more information, call (714) 992-3000 ext. 5982.
Support Groups
Support groups offer emotional support and information to patients and families experiencing cancer. These groups include Girl Talk, a breast cancer support group, and HOPE for Cancer Patients & Caregivers. A complete list of cancer support groups and their meeting times is available by clicking here.
Yoga for Cancer Health
Yoga for Cancer Health is designed especially for cancer patients and focuses on improving each patient’s general well-being and energy level. For dates and times of this free class, please call (800) 870-7537.