Education & Support

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You're Never Alone When You Have Breast Cancer

Discovering that you have breast cancer can create a ripple effect through your entire life. From the moment you first hear the diagnosis, you will have many more questions than answers. Often, you'll feel like you're all alone - that no one knows what you're going through.

At the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute (FHCI), we do understand what you're going through. Not only do we give you answers in an easy to understand way, but we also put you in touch with others who have already fought the battle you're fighting, so you can hear their stories, insights and successes first hand.

Our support groups are open to you, your family, and your friends, in order to learn about the latest advances in breast cancer treatment, find ways to heal your mind, body and spirit during your battle, explore options and gain solace from others who know exactly what it's like to have breast cancer.

Following are just a few of the many groups dedicated to supporting those with breast cancer: 

Breast Cancer Education and Support

When it comes to dealing with breast cancer, we believe that knowledge is power. Being informed about your condition, your prognosis and options for treatment allows you to make educated decisions about your care. We also know that having individual and family support is critical during your fight against breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Support Group

The Florida Hospital Cancer Institute has three groups designed expressly for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. We provide two ongoing emotional support groups that are led by healthcare professionals, and a Young Survival Coalition, which addresses the needs of young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The FHCI offers many other support groups addressing issues during a cancer experience.

Individual/Family Counseling and Education

The oncology social workers at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute (FHCI) are all licensed mental health practitioners. They are here to help you and your family face the emotional and practical challenges that accompany a diagnosis of breast cancer, including:

• Individual/family counseling
• Support groups and educational programs
• Assistance with care inside/outside of the home
• Financial, disability, and insurance concerns
• Transportation to treatment

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (407) 303-2514.

Care Coordination

A diagnosis of breast cancer can leave you feeling overwhelmed and a bit lost in a journey that can be filled with fear and anxiety. Our Breast Care Coordinators provide you with a continual source of support throughout your entire cancer journey including:

• Coordinating/scheduling/expediting care among providers
• Ensuring patients have the necessary information to make fully informed decisions
• Providing access to clinical trial participation/screening for eligibility
• Assisting with second opinions
• Providing education about your procedures, diagnosis and treatment in easy to understand terms
• Serving as a constant link between you and your physicians
• Connecting patients and families with resources

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (407) 303-2514.

Spiritual Support

One unique aspect of the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute is that we recognize treatment is about more than a disease or illness; it's about whole person care and our focus on healing the whole person - mind, body and spirit. Our support team of chaplains are available for ministering to the spiritual and emotional needs of you, your family and friends. If you find yourself in need of pastoral counseling, prayer, a sacrament or a connection to your own religious community, please call (407) 303-1553.

Eden: The Spa for Image Discovery

Located on the ground floor of the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute in Orlando, Eden offers a calming atmosphere where certified and licensed staff help you face life's most delicate challenges with strength, dignity and faith. Eden services include massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, skin care products, post-mastectomy breast forms, specialty bras, compression garments, lymphedema massage therapy, wigs/hair replacement, designer headwear and hair services. For more information on Eden, call (407) 303-9727.

Individualized Nutritional Counseling

If you need help with nutrition, our registered dietician is available to assist you in developing a nutritional plan meeting your unique needs. The goal of nutritional counseling is to maximize your body's ability to respond to cancer treatment while minimizing the side effects these treatments may cause. Many insurance programs cover your nutritional counseling. For more information, please call (407) 303-8157.

Triumfit

A 12-week exercise program designed especially for those with breast cancer, Triumfit is the only breast cancer recovery program approved by the American Council on Exercise. Offered through a partnership between the Jewish Community Center and the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, the group classes are tailored to different strategies and adapted to all fitness levels.  For more information or to schedule an appointment please call (407) 303-2514. 

Strength for Living: Patient & Family Orientation

This one-time program focuses on the needs of those who've recently been diagnosed with all forms of cancer, including breast cancer. Patients and caregivers will be introduced to a wide array of resources, including support systems and education.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (407) 303-2514.

Living With Cancer

Facilitated by oncology social workers, this three-session program will address communication, coping strategies and intimacy for patients and caregivers. Each session can be attended once in any order throughout the year. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (407) 303-2514.

Look Good Feel Better

The FHCI and the American Cancer Society have partnered to offer adult female patients a free makeover by a licensed cosmetologist. This makeover includes makeup, eyebrow and eyelash application techniques, scarf draping and turban wrapping. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (407) 303-2514.

Stress Control Workshop

This one-time program provides you with insight into the fact that a diagnosis of cancer can be one of the most stressful experiences a person ever encounters. Participants in the workshop receive information and training to increase the effectiveness of their current coping skills so they can improve their overall quality of life by handling stress effectively. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (407) 303-2514.

On the Road Again

Designed to meet the needs of patients who have completed  their treatment. This program provides you with an opportunity to address any concerns you may have about being a breast cancer survivor. "On the Road Again" assist patients and caregivers in processing their cancer experience in a mutually supporting, educational environment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (407) 303-2514.

Food for Thought

This mini-program provides information regarding nutritional concerns as well as guidance for obtaining resources to meet your practical and emotional needs throughout your treatment for breast cancer. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (407) 303-2514.

Strength for Caring

This one-time program addresses the concerns of the family or caregivers who are new to their role. It is facilitated by healthcare professionals and provides both educational and emotional support. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (407) 303-2514.

Caregiver's Connection

Many individuals feel alone in the role of caregiver. Facilitated by healthcare professionals, this group provides you with the opportunity to receive support and education from other caregivers who have similar challenges. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (407) 303-2514.

Parent and Grandparent Resource Support Program

Adults with cancer are often concerned about how a diagnosis of cancer will affect their children and grandchildren. This program was designed to support adults with cancer as they help their family members adjust to the cancer experience. The program includes individual and family counseling and cancer treatment education to help you answer the questions your children and grandchildren inevitably ask. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (407) 303-2514.

Cancer Resource Libraries

Selected locations of the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute have extensive collections of books, brochures, articles, videos and interactive computer systems. These locations include Orlando, Altamonte Springs, East Orlando, Winter Park, and Celebration.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (407) 303-2514.

Online Cancer Resources

American Cancer Society
If you have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer or feel that you may be at risk, the American Cancer Society is a great place to start. The organization has local chapters throughout the country, including Central Florida. For more information you can contact the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute coordinates the National Cancer Program, which conducts and supports research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer, rehabilitation from cancer, and the continuing care of cancer patients and the families of cancer patients.
Links to: www.cancer.gov

Cancer Care, Inc.
Cancer Care is nonprofit agency that offers free support, information, financial assistance and practical help to people with thoracic cancer and their family and friends.
Links to: www.cancercare.org

Gilda's Club Worldwide
A network of support organizations, Gilda's Club Worldwide was named after famed Saturday Night Live comedian Gilda Radner who died from cancer. Local Gilda's Clubs provide social and emotional support to cancer patients, their family members and friends.
Links to: www.gildasclub.org