Cancer Support for Patients and Their Families

Cancer patients have multifaceted support care needs. Our Cancer Network provides access to a full range of support services that address the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

• 24-Hour Cancer Clinic — The 24-Hour Cancer Clinic, open seven days per week, is available for cancer patients with immediate care needs nights or weekends (such as pain issues, nausea, vomiting, treatment-related side effects). The clinic, located on the Froedtert Hospital campus, is for cancer patients who are being treated by physicians within the Froedtert & MCW Cancer Network. Available by appointment.
   
• Jeffrey C. Siegel Quality of Life Center — Patients and family members can schedule an appointment or drop in for a variety of important support services. It is located on the second floor of the Clinical Cancer Center on the Froedtert Hospital Campus, next to the Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinics.
   
• Small Stones Wellness Centers — Many cancer patients experience changes in their personal appearance. Hair loss, mastectomy and other issues can add to the burden of disease and treatment. The Small Stones Wellness Center supports the healing process by helping you enhance your appearance, promote relaxation and boost self-esteem. We have locations in Menomonee Falls, Milwaukee, New Berlin, Oak Creek and West Bend.
   
• Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program (AYA) — A cancer diagnosis can be especially hard to deal with if you’re a teen or young adult. This program addresses the specific needs of young people who have been diagnosed with cancer, such as emotional support, how to talk about your diagnosis and plan for future goals, such as fertility. It provides supportive resources extending from diagnosis through survivorship. The Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program is provided through a collaborative effort of the Froedtert & MCW Cancer Network, the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center and the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin MACC Fund Center.
   
• Art therapy — Art therapy is offered by a professional art therapist for patients coping with cancer and its treatment.
   
• Counseling and emotional support — A diagnosis of cancer can be frightening for patients and their families. We offer psycho-oncology services at multiple Cancer Network locations. Chaplains are available at our hospitals to provide spiritual support.
   
• Cancer rehabilitation — Many cancer patients have specific physical therapy and rehabilitation needs. Multiple Cancer Network locations offer expert, onsite rehabilitation therapy.
   
• Preserving fertility — Before you begin treatment, find out how your cancer treatment may affect your reproductive abilities. Our Reproductive Medicine Center offers fertility preservation options, including egg freezing, egg donation, sperm freezing and testicular tissue freezing.
   
• Cancer support groups and classes — These groups and classes provide emotional and social support. Support groups meet at all of our Cancer Network locations.
   
• Cancer blog: Together, We Are Strong — What does the word “cancer” mean to you? Your cancer experience is different than mine, but we can learn and take comfort from one another. Our community of patients, family members, friends, physicians and researchers have started a conversation about cancer.
   
• Child Life Services — A child life specialist is a certified professional who uses developmental, educational and therapeutic interventions to help children cope with illness and hospitalization. Our child life specialist uses knowledge of child development to educate, prepare and support children during the adult’s hospital stay.
   
• Walking programs — When you’re going through cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiation therapy) it’s common to experience fatigue and a feeling of low energy that can impact quality of life. Staying active can help you feel better and improve your mood and general outlook.
  
  At Froedtert Hospital, we’ve developed a special walking program just for our cancer patients called On the Move. A walking track is clearly marked on the second floor of the Clinical Cancer Center and winds around the perimeter near the windows, (excluding the Bistro) so our patients can enjoy natural views as they walk. When you’ve completed five laps, you’ll have walked an entire mile. There are benches along the path, so you can sit down and rest any time you need a break.If you are a cancer patient at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin and would like to participate in On the Move, please talk with your cancer nurse. Your nurse will review your situation to determine if using the walking path is appropriate for you. We ask that if you’re feeling weak, dizzy or you have a fever on a particular day, please don’t walk – rest instead. On the Move is supported through generous donors to the Froedtert Hospital Foundation.
   
• Nutritional counseling — Our registered dietitians offer nutrition advice and help you cope with weight fluctuations, taste changes, loss of appetite or other eating issues that may result from cancer treatment. Ask your doctor or nurse to connect you with a dietitian.
   
• Social services — Our oncology social workers are available to assist you and your family with emotional, legal, financial, transportation and other issues related to your healthcare needs. Should you need immediate assistance with counseling or help locating community resources, talk to your cancer nurses.
   
• Advance directives — Make sure that your wishes are followed even if you can't express them. These documents and forms let you appoint someone to speak for you and make decisions on your behalf.
   
• Palliative Care Program — Palliative care focuses on reducing the severity of disease symptoms, rather than striving to cure, halt, delay or reverse disease progression. If your cancer, or your loved one's cancer, does not respond to curative or stabilizing treatments, palliative care may be an option.
   
• Home Care and Hospice — Froedtert & MCW health network partners with Horizon Home Care and Hospice.