Patient and Caregiver Resources
At the TGH Cancer Institute-CCSF, we are committed to ensuring that every patient we see receives world-class care beyond diagnosis and treatment. To help meet any needs that may arise, we offer a comprehensive range of support care services to patients throughout their journey to recovery.
Oncology Psychology
Oncology psychologists specialize in working with patients who are struggling to cope with cancer-related distress throughout the entire spectrum of cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and even end of life. They help patients cope with the physical, mental, and emotional changes that cancer often brings, such as uncertainty, sadness, fear and worry, pain, sleep problems, changes in family dynamics, and treatment side effects.
- A physician referral is required prior to scheduling an appointment.
Palliative Care
This interdisciplinary team made up of physicians, nurse practitioners, chaplains, and psychologists work to improve quality of life by managing distressing symptoms and disease burden for those with or without curative disease. The goal is to improve the quality of life for patients and for their loved ones while receiving treatment for their disease.
- A physician referral is required prior to scheduling an appointment.
Nutrition
The oncology dietitian ensures that patients get enough nutrition to have the strength for treatment and recovery. The oncology dietitian provides instruction regarding modifications to diet and nutrition to help with symptoms as well as information about use and care for feeding tubes if needed.
- Talk to your oncologist for a referral.
Social Work
Oncology social workers provide advocacy, education, discharge planning and case management. They are available throughout all phases of the cancer continuum, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, palliative care, end of life and bereavement.
- Talk to your oncologist for a referral.
Patient & Caregiver Support Groups
TGH oncology psychologists lead support groups for patients currently undergoing treatment and their loved ones and caregivers. Support groups were developed to offer a space to discuss challenges and triumphs in a supportive environment throughout the course of one’s journey.
- Nurse Navigators and Providers can provide local and online services
Physical Therapy
Surgery, radiation therapy, and or chemotherapy often causes stiffness and pain in parts of the body, especially in the areas where the treatments, IVs, and ports are placed. There may be changes in posture, movement, and motoric functioning. The Physical therapists assess these issues and treat with specific manual therapies, exercises, and home programs. It is important to treat these issues early on to prevent further stiffness.
- A physician referral required prior to scheduling an appointment.
Occupational Therapy
An occupational therapist treats a range of conditions from a cancer diagnosis or treatment that affects a patient’s ability to perform regular activities and carry out necessary tasks at work, school, or home. These specialists often prescribe assistive devices, teach new ways of completing activities, build hand-eye coordination, and work on motor skills to improve functional independence.
- A physician referral required prior to scheduling an appointment.
Speech Therapy
The Speech-Language Pathologists assist with changes and/or difficulties with speech, voice, and cognitive function. For instance, they evaluate swallow function to make sure that swallowing is safe and efficient to maintain caloric/nutritional intake. They recommend swallowing exercises for strengthening the muscles used for swallowing and to help with modifications (i.e., positioning, postural maneuvers) to help improve efficiency when eating by mouth.
- A physician referral required prior to scheduling an appointment
Lymphedema Therapy
Lymphedema Certified Physical therapists provide manual lymphatic drainage, bandaging for edema management, scar management, home exercise prescription, recommendations for lymphedema pump if appropriate, and compression garment recommendations.
- A physician referral required prior to scheduling an appointment.
Hospice Services
Hospice services are offered to those who are nearing the end of life. They are also offered when a cure for disease is not an option and the patient, and his/her family choose to focus on symptom management/quality of life. An interdisciplinary team of medical professionals gather to facilitate a dignified end of life for the patient while simultaneously offering ongoing support for the family and loved ones.
- Agencies dependent upon county of residence. Please speak with your oncologist or other member of your health care team to learn more.