City of Hope Orange County Supportive Care Medicine

At City of Hope, we believe comprehensive cancer care extends beyond advanced treatments and technology to support and heal the whole person — mind, body and spirit. As national leaders in supportive care medicine for more than 15 years, our unique approach is fully integrated into our clinical patient care and is thoughtfully tailored to each individual, their health circumstances, faith tradition and personal background. In addition, our interdisciplinary team — composed of specialist physicians, nurses, social workers, nutritionists and chaplains — is highly trained to leverage evidence-based techniques to improve quality of life during a time of enormous physical and emotional upheaval

Supportive Care Clinical Services

CLINICAL SUPPORTIVE MEDICINE

Physicians and nurses work with patients, families and the patient’s primary health care team to help keep patients comfortable during their treatment, as well as:

• Manage symptoms, pain and side effects (with and without medication)

• Help establish goals of care, including advance care planning and determining priorities for advance directives

• Provide palliative and hospice care

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

Providers offer a complementary consultation to review how research-supported practices may help cancer patients and survivors regain health and build a lifestyle focused on wellness, with a special focus on:

• Relaxation techniques and meditation

• Herbs and supplements

• Diet and physical activity

PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION

Whether you are newly diagnosed or currently undergoing therapy, we create a custom rehabilitation plan to optimize physical function and maintain your independence.

• Prehabilitation to build strength before treatment begins

• Diagnosis and management of issues related to muscles and joints

• Neurological rehabilitation

• Management of non-cancer pain

• Injections to help treat soft tissue pain and spasticity

CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK

Our licensed social workers offer counseling and resources to meet the psychological, emotional, social and practical needs of patients and families.

• Counseling to address illness and discuss problem-solving tools

• Individual and family short-term psychotherapy

• Advance directives and goals of care discussions

• Referrals to community resources to address barriers to care

• Education and assistance with the transition between stages of care, as appropriate

SPIRITUAL CARE

Chaplains and other specialists are available for spiritual assistance and grief and bereavement support or to recommend spiritual support in the local community.

PSYCHOLOGY

A range of psychological and emotional concerns may arise throughout the cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. Our skilled clinical psychologists can create a customized treatment plan to meet your unique needs and help you improve overall wellbeing.

MIND-BODY MEDICINE

The Mind-Body Medicine program at City of Hope Orange County helps patients learn and practice skills such as meditation, guided imagery and mindfulness to help them adapt to how they deal with stress and illness.

ACUPUNCTURE

Our oncology acupuncturists provide this traditional Chinese medicine therapy which research has shown can improve symptoms commonly associated with cancer. Potential benefits include pain management, as well as reducing or eliminating nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, sleeplessness, anxiety, fatigue, hot flashes and neuropathy.

“City of Hope treated me as a person. I wasn’t just a patient, a chart. I mattered.”

—KOMMAH MCDOWELL, GRATEFUL PATIENT

Supportive Care Resources and Amenities

HOPE BOUTIQUE

In our on-site specialty boutique, oncology-trained licensed cosmetologists offer one-on-one services to help with physical changes caused by cancer treatment, including:

• Complimentary haircuts and head shaves

• Custom wig fittings and cuts

• Pre- and post-mastectomy bra fittings

• Head wrap and scarf tying techniques

• Product consultations

CLASSES AND SUPPORT GROUPS

SHERI & LES BILLER PATIENT AND FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

The Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center is a welcoming space that offers complimentary Wi-Fi, computers and iPads for patients and loved ones to use before, during and after treatment. Here, you have access to a wide range of information on these and other topics:

• Cancer information and education classes

• Support Groups

• Notary Services

City of Hope Orange County offers patients and caregivers a variety of classes, including courses in nutrition, how to look and feel your best during cancer treatment, and several integrative medicine therapies, such as yoga and qigong, and more. In addition, patients and caregivers may also benefit from one of our support groups, such as our diabetes empowerment group or our caregivers connect support group.