Cancer Support Services

While treating the physical impact of cancer takes top priority, we also place the utmost importance on meeting your emotional and spiritual needs. That’s why Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital offers a wide range of support services for patients facing cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery, including:

• American Cancer Society Patient Navigation
• Cancer-related Fatigue Program
• Community Wellness Centers
• Garment Fitting Program
• Look Good, Feel Better
• Lymphedema Therapy
• Midwest CareCenter
• Nurse Navigators
• Nutrition Counseling
• Oncology Physical Therapy
• Spiritual Counseling

Click on any of the above services to learn more about the care we provide to cancer patients.

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AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY PATIENT NAVIGATION
Twice a month, a patient navigator from the American Cancer Society visits Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital oncology patients to discuss their care plan. This patient navigator will help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options, as well as help you take advantage of all the support services we have to offer. For more information, visit cancer.org.

 

CANCER-RELATED FATIGUE PROGRAM
Research shows that low to moderate exercise in cancer patients can reduce and even prevent cancer-related fatigue; reduce side effects of chemotherapy and radiation; improve quality of life and possibly even survival rates.

That’s why Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital’s Rehabilitative Services is teaming up with the Lake Forest Health and Fitness Center to offer a Cancer Related Fatigue Program. This 8-week program combines individual physical therapy evaluation and group exercise led by a personal trainer with nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian.

This program is designed for individuals diagnosed with any stage of cancer who experience fatigue or weakness, or are unsure how to initiate exercise. It is appropriate for anyone currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or anyone who has completed cancer treatment within the past year. A physician’s referral is required. All physical therapists and personal trainers are certified as Cancer Exercise Specialists. For more information or to register, please call Oncology Rehabilitation at (847) 535-6520.

 

COMMUNITY WELLNESS CENTERS
The following are centers in the Chicagoland area that helps cancer patients and their families through education, wellness programs and support groups.

Cancer Wellness Center
215 Revere Dr., Northbrook
18360 W. Old Gages Lake Rd., Grayslake
cancerwellness.org

Gilda’s Club
537 N. Wells St., Chicago
gildasclub.org

Jennifer S. Fallick Cancer Support Center
2028 Elm Rd., Homewood
cancersupportcenter.org

Wellness House
131 N. County Line Rd., Hinsdale
wellnesshouse.org

Wellness Place
1619 W. Colonial Pkwy., Palatine
wellnessplace.org

 

GARMENT FITTING PROGRAM
Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital’s Garment Fitter in the Posy Krehbiel Breast Care Center helps women find bras and breast forms to fit their unique needs. Whether during radiation treatment or post-surgery, our experienced Garment Fitter works with women with sensitivity and patience. Learn more by calling (847) 535-8545.

 

LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER
The American Cancer Society’s Look Good, Feel Better program teaches beauty techniques in a supportive group environment to women undergoing active cancer treatment. Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital leads and hosts quarterly classes in the Hunter Family Center for Women’s Health.

 

LYMPHEDEMA THERAPY
Lymphedema, the swelling of an arm, leg or other body part caused by the accumulation of lymph fluid, is a common post-cancer surgery or post-radiation occurrence in women and men. It can manifest itself in tissue swelling, skin changes, increased risk for chronic infections and slowing of tissue healing.

Our certified lymphedema therapists implement Complete Decongestive Therapy, a non-invasive and painless therapy that includes compression bandages, exercise, lymph drainage and skin care. They also provide education on risk reduction and risk evaluation for lymphedema.

In addition, Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital is currently piloting the success of new technology that detects lymphedema before it becomes clinically detectable. Learn more about Lymphedema Therapy at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital.

 

MIDWEST CARECENTER
Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital works with Midwest CareCenter to provide palliative care consultation to cancer patients and their families. The Palliative Care Services program works with your cancer care team to help you manage your pain and symptoms, coordinate your care and provide additional support.

All PCS physicians and advanced practice nurses are experts in evaluating, diagnosing and treating pain other symptoms. For more information, talk to your cancer care team, call Midwest CareCenter at (847) 467-7423 or visit carecenter.org.

 

NUTRITION COUNSELING
Nutrition plays a significant role in overall wellness, prevention and treatment of a variety of illnesses, injuries and age-related problems — and can be especially beneficial to those with a cancer diagnosis.

Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital offers a variety of nutritional programs tailored to individual needs. Registered dietitians will help you develop a healthy eating plan; advise you through possible side effects of treatments; and work with your health care team to help you achieve your goals. Dietitians are available for both inpatients and outpatient counseling.

Learn more about Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital’s Nutrition Counseling at (847) 535-6176. To schedule your personalized nutritional consultation, please call Central Scheduling at (847) 535-8000.

 

ONCOLOGY PHYSICAL THERAPY
Oncology physical therapy is an integral component of Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital's multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment. Our physical therapists have specialized training in post-surgical and post-radiation effects on function and motion, balance, scar tissue and cording of tendons and tissues.

Through the use of highly personalized treatment sessions, our therapists can:

• Prevent and reduce cancer-related fatigue
• Increase muscle mass, strength and endurance
• Restore balance, functional daily activities
• Improve overall quality of life and physical fitness
• Protect against common side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation
• Manage weight and lymphedema
• Regain shoulder range of motion following breast cancer surgery
• Reduce cancer-related pain, nausea and vomiting

All Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital oncology therapists are certified lymphedema therapists and cancer exercise specialists. For more information, contact the Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital Oncology Rehabilitation Team at (847) 535-6520.

 

SPIRITUAL COUNSELING
The diagnosis and treatment of cancer can be extremely stressful — not only for you, but also for your family. The Pastoral Care Department of Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital provides counseling and support for patients and their families. Members of the Pastoral Care staff are available to assist or counsel you, whatever your religious beliefs. And your own personal spiritual leaders are always welcome to visit you at the hospital.

Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital also has two chapels for private worship and reflection: one on the first floor of the main hospital and another in the Hunter Family Center for Women’s Health. Contact Pastoral Care at (847) 535-6070 if you would like to have a Bible or other sacred text, a rosary, prayer rug or other items for prayer and worship during your stay.