A diagnosis of cancer suddenly plunges a family into a world filled with medical jargon, side effects and life-altering decisions. But at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, families are never abandoned to the system. The staff in the Gynecologic Cancer Program works hard to ensure that patients and families have all the information they need, when they need it.
Nurse practitioners provide education and support to the families of all patients undergoing chemotherapy. They discuss expected reactions, side effects and comfort measures. When questions arise at home, as they often do, they are only a phone call away.
Registered dietitians are available to meet with patients as well. A dietitian works with women to establish eating plans that maximize health during and after treatment – a plan that respects each person’s likes, dislikes and physical condition. Dietitians also help patients struggling with lack of appetite or nausea during treatment.
Genetic counselors are available if a genetic link to gynecologic cancer is suspected or if family history indicates this could be the case.
Day Hospital
The Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center includes the Day Hospital for patients needing chemotherapy, blood products, other types of infusions or advanced services which might otherwise require hospitalization. The Day Hospital offers extended hours, a variety of comforting treatment settings and advanced care support. Its goal is to help cancer patients fit their medical care into their lives — instead of fitting their lives into their medical care.
Palliative Care
When a cure is no longer an option, the Gynecologic Cancer Program team works closely with the specialists within the Palliative Care Program to provide comfort and support to patients and their families. The Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Palliative Care Program was established in 1993 and remains the only program of its kind in the state of Wisconsin. It is known locally and nationally as a leading resource for improving end-of-life care.
Additional Resources
The following Web sites provide reliable information about gynecologic cancers.
The American Cancer Society
www.acs.org
National Cancer Institute
This Web site offers information about HPV vaccine, in addition to other information about gynecologic cancers.www.cancer.gov
Web MD
www.webmd.com
Virtual Visits Are Available
Safe and convenient virtual visits by video let you get the care you need via a mobile device, tablet or computer wherever you are. We’ll gather your medical records for you and get our experts’ input so we can offer treatment options without an in-person visit. To schedule a virtual visit, call 1-866-680-0505.
Rated as High Performing by U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report rated Froedtert Hospital as high performing in seven adult specialties and 21 procedures and conditions, including cancer and gynecological cancer surgery.
