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Esophageal & Gastric Care Program Supportive Services

Medical Nutrition Therapy

Eating difficulties are common in oncology; however, cancer of the esophagus, stomach or other parts of the digestive system create certain challenges. Loss of appetite; chronic nausea and vomiting; constipation or diarrhea; malabsorption; or swallowing problems are cancer-related issues that limit food and fluid intake. Low food consumption results in weakness, dehydration, inability to complete therapies or possibly malnutrition. A registered dietitian is available at the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute to assist with nutritional assessments and strategic goal setting to help reduce symptoms, maintain weight and improve food intake. If a feeding tube is placed, the dietitian can help with formula selection, monitoring and troubleshooting. For information call 612-863-9076.

The Living Room Cancer Resource Center

Located on the fouth floor of the Piper Building, the Living Room Resource Center offers a comfortable place to learn in a supportive environment. Professional staff memebers and volunteers help locate information and guide patients through a large inventory of current information on cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment options and supportive services.

Cancer-related information is available in books, videos, audiocassettes, CDs, brochures, articles and through the internet. For more information, call the Living Room at 612-863-8713.

Palliative Care Services

Abbott Northwestern Hospital's Palliative Care Service emphasizes improvement in quality of life for patients with complex needs at any stage of illness. It is available to patients and families experiencing the challenges of symptom management, chronic and advanced illness and difficult decision-making regarding care goals and treatment options. Team consultation includes specially trained and experienced Palliative Care physicians, advanced practice nurses and a chaplain. Palliative Care is offered simultaneously with all other appropriate medical treatment to treat symptoms and support the patient and family. Consults can be requested by calling 612-863-4444, or usual physician order.

Virginia Piper Cancer Institute General Cancer Support Group

The General Cancer Support Group meets the second Tuesday of each month, except during the summer, in the Piper Building, Suite 603 conference room from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. This group is for individuals and family members with any type of cancer diagnosis.

At each meeting a speaker will present information on a topic of interest and facilitate a discussion about the topic. The goal is to provide education and support.

Healing Coach

Through Abbott Northwestern's Institute for Health and Healing, a healing coach is available to offer support, information and referrals for complementary therapies.

The function of the healing coach is to:

• assist in developing and implementing a healing plan
• bridge the worlds of mainstream and complementary medicine
• address concerns and feelings raised by a diagnosis of cancer
• facilitate an understanding of the life-changing nature of a cancer diagnosis
• help open dialogue between family members.

For additional information, or to schedule an appointment, contact the Institute for Health and Healing at 612-863-3333.

Social Services

The Virginia Piper Cancer Institute has a clnical social worker who helps patients and families by listening to their concerns and assisting them in formulating a plan to address their concerns. A cancer diagnosis can produce challenges and stresses. The social workers is there to help patients and their families cope with different emotional adjustment issues.

The licensed social worker has a master's-level education as well as experience working with cancer patients and their families. The social worker collaborates with the patient's care team to meet the psychsocial, emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families.

The role of the social worker involves:

• emotional support to patients and families
• help with adjusting to illness, outpatient treatment and hospitalization
• grief and loss counseling and referral
• resources for support groups
• financial issues/concerns
• health care directives
• home care services
• hospice
• community resources such as Meals on Wheels® and transportation.

Virginia Piper Cancer Institute
800 East 28th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-863-0200