Counseling

Facing a diagnosis of cancer can be a time of fear, anxiety and questioning. Patients and families often do not know where to turn for help.

The Cancer Patient Support Program was created by a group of cancer survivors and others who have been touched by the disease. Their collective experience and first-hand knowledge led to the design of the program.

The CPSP provides cost-free psychological support services including:

• Supportive counseling by clinical psychologists knowledgeable of the issues cancer patients and their families face, both during and after treatment
• Support groups facilitated by skilled clinicians
• Seminars for spouses and children

Nutritional Support

Good nutrition during cancer treatment is vital. The goal of CPSP is to identify cancer patients in need of nutritional therapy and provide the education and support to assist with long-term cancer survivorship, symptom control and prevention. Our registered dietician Jennifer May can help patients and their families identify nutritional needs, cope with treatment side effects and provide information on healthy eating during treatments.

Although many cancer centers lack the funding necessary to provide these important services, CPSP received a $20,000 grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation to support the implementation of a nutrition initiative. All nutritional therapy and education is provided to patients free-of-charge.

Ms. May provides important resources for patients and staff, conducts in-services for staff members and sees patients individually for nutrition counseling.

For more information on CPSP nutrition programs, please contact Jennifer May at Jennifer.l.may@vtmednet.org or by calling (802) 847-4649.

Emergency Fund

The Cancer Patient Emergency fund is designed to try to meet the financial need of cancer patients who find themselves in financial crisis due to their illness.

The Cancer Patient Support Program's Emergency Fund services include, but are not limited to:

• Emergency food and shelter assistance
• Telephone and heating bills during time of crisis
• Transportation support if needed for care plan
• Medically appropriate supplies not covered by insurance
• Medications
• Childcare to allow a parent to get cancer care

This fund is only used once all other appropriate support programs have been exhausted.

If you would like to learn more about this program, please contact Stephanie Fraser at Stephanie.Fraser@vtmednet.org or call (802) 847-3234 (Tu/Th).

Resource and Lending Library

The CPSP Resource and Lending Library is located in the Hematology/Oncology Clinic at Fletcher Allen Health Care.

Included are books that help patients understand more about their particular illness, ways to cope with cancer, relaxation tapes, and how to speak with family members about cancer.