Support For You and Your Loved Ones, When You Need it Most
Frederick Health offers a comprehensive cancer treatment support program
providing practical assistance, counseling, and supportive services to
patients and their families during cancer treatment. Services are provided
by licensed social workers directly and in conjunction with various community
agencies and programs. Support is available during our treatment hours
of 8a.m. through 4:30p.m. and by appointment.
Psychosocial support and counseling is helpful for issues related to adjustment
in lifestyle, dealing with emotions, coping with side effects of treatment,
changes in body image, effects of cancer on sexuality and relationships,
managing stress, and communication with family, friends, and co-worker.
Patients have access to Oncology Social Workers on treatment days or by
appointment throughout the duration of radiation and/or chemotherapy treatment.
An appropriate referral will be made for patients whose needs are more
extensive than the medical setting can provide. Information and referrals
are provided for various support and educational programs and services
available within the surrounding community and on the Internet.
Financial Counseling
Assistance is provided to address financial concerns of patients during
treatment. Financial counseling and referral services are available at the
James M Stockman Cancer Institute to help patients apply for appropriate programs that they may qualify
for to cover medical expenses. These may include Medical Assistance, Social
Security benefits, COBRA, and various programs to help with medications
and treatment related services. Contact Irene Hollis, Financial Counselor, at
240-566-4337 for more information.
Breast Cancer Support Group at Frederick Community College
Co-sponsored by the Anne-Lynn Gross Breast Cancer Resource Center and Frederick
Health, the Breast Cancer Support Group meets the 2nd Thursday of the
month at 7:00pm in the FCC Classroom/Student Center, H-106D. All breast
cancer survivors, from newly diagnosed to long-term remission/survival
are encouraged to attend. For more information contact the Anne-Lynn Gross
Breast Cancer Resource Center,
301-846-2483 or visit
www.frederick.edu/adultservices.
Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN)
The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network provides direct support for bladder
cancer patients and their loved ones through the BCAN connection. More
information is available at
bcan.org.
Dietary Consultations for Cancer Patients
A dietary consult is available at the Frederick Health cancer treatment
at no cost for patients treated at the James M Stockman Cancer Institute
upon request and by appointment. Contact the nursing staff, social worker,
or physician to arrange an appointment.
Cancer Education Programs
Programs of education and support for cancer patients and those who provide
support to them are held throughout the year and are open to the general
public. Programs meet at the James M Stockman Cancer Institute. Contact
Support Services @
240-566-4100, Option 5 then Option 1 for upcoming events.
Cancer Support Group
Cancer support group for cancer patients, survivors and family members
providing the opportunity for a safe place for sharing, encouragement,
and fellowship. Facilitated by a local psychologist. Meets every Friday
from 10:00am to 11:30am at Monocacy Valley Church, 9861 Old National Pike,
Ijamsville, MD 21754. For more information please contact
mvc@mvcnow.org or
301-865-9100.
Frederick Prostate Cancer Support Group
This support group is temporarily unavailable. Prostate cancer support group for both patients and family members is co-sponsored
by Frederick Health and the American Cancer Society.
Frederick Health Cancer Patient Assistance Fund
Available to income qualified cancer patients who need financial help paying
for medicine, dietary supplements, and durable medical supplies until
a more permanent solution can be found. The Cancer Patient Assistance
Fund is dependent upon the generosity of the Frederick community. For
more information contact Support Services at
240-566-4100, Option 5 then Option1.
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Support Group
Support group for women with genetically predisposed breast and ovarian
cancer. An opportunity for participants to process feelings and receive
fellowship. Facilitated by Pat Rice, CRNP. Group meets quarterly at the
James M Stockman Cancer Institute on the 2nd Tuesday of January, April,
July and October from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Register at
price@frederick.health.
Look Good, Feel Better for Women
This program assists female cancer patients in coping with changes in appearance
related to side effects due to cancer treatment and is co-sponsored by
The American Cancer Society and Frederick Health. The programs are held
monthly at the James M Stockman Cancer Institute and the Frederick School
of Cosmetology. For details and/or to register, contact Support Services at
240-566-4100, Option 5 then Option 1.
Lymphedema Therapy
A specified massage therapy for this common but troublesome side effect
of breast cancer. Contact Lymphedema Specialist at
240-215-1425 for more information.
Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Support Group (SPOHNC)
The local chapter of Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer
(SPOHNC), Inc. holds monthly meetings offering information, support and
encouragement to newly diagnosed patients, survivors, and caregivers in
a friendly and non-threatening forum. Meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday
of each month from 2-3:30pm at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church
Parish Center on Rt. 75/Church St. in Libertytown, MD. For information
or to register to attend please contact Judith Churco at
301-631-8159 or email at
judyduster@aol.com. Please call to register for each meeting.
Ovarian Cancer Support Group
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Frederick Chapter. Please contact Cathie
Duncan at
301-788-5348 or
Frederick@ovarian.org for more information.
Survivors Offering Support (SOS)
SOS is a support program that pairs informed and trained breast cancer
survivor volunteers with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. SOS volunteers
are matched with new patients by similarities of age, lifestyle and stage
of breast cancer. Volunteers share their personal breast cancer experiences
and provide insight and emotional support to new patients. To speak to
a mentor or to learn more about this important program, contact Denise
O’Neill, SOS Volunteer Coordinator at
301-418-6766 or by email at
doneill@frederick.health.
You may also fill out this form to request a mentor. Click
here to download.
Transitions To Wellness Program (SOS)
Want a jumpstart into addressing the challenges of becoming a new breast
cancer survivor? This is a workshop held quarterly designed as a toolkit
to assist you in the important transition from treatment to life as a
breast cancer survivor. Please contact Denise O’Neill at
301-418-6766 or by email at
doneill@frederick.health.
Wig Assistance
A wig/fitting is available to women with a cancer diagnosis via the Frederick
Health Cancer Patient Assistance Fund who meet income qualification guidelines.
Contact Support Services at
240-566-4100, Option 5 then Option 1, for more information.
