Survivorship & Support
We support you on your journey from treatment through survivorship
"Cancer survivor"-what a beautiful phrase! There's so much positive energy behind those words. Over the past twenty years, major advances have been made in cancer research-the kind done here at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute (FHCI)-and improved treatments and techniques allow many more of us to survive and beat cancer.
The heart of the FHCI cancer program is our commitment to making a difference in the life of each patient we serve. Our cancer care focuses on much more than the disease; we're here to provide comprehensive educational, emotional and spiritual support through our counseling and educational services for patients, services for families and caregivers and support groups. The FHCI knows that your journey toward wellness involves the whole person-mind, body and spirit.
- Counseling and education for individuals and families
- Services for families and caregivers
- Support groups
Counseling and education for individuals and families
Care Coordination
A diagnosis of cancer can leave patients feeling overwhelmed and lost at the start of a journey fraught with fear and anxiety. Our Care Coordinators are credentialed health care professionals who are on the front line with patients and are a constant source of support throughout a patient's entire cancer journey. Care Coordinators can:
- Coordinate/schedule care among other providers
- Provide education about diagnosis and treatment
- Be a constant link between patient and physician
- Answer questions and explain procedures
- Connect patients and families with resources
Individual/Family Counseling and Education
Our oncology social workers are licensed mental health practitioners and assist patients and families in facing the emotional and practical challenges often associated with a cancer diagnosis such as:
- individual/family counseling
- support groups and educational programs
- assistance with care inside/outside of the home
- financial, disability, and insurance concerns
- transportation to treatment
Eden: The Spa for Image Discovery
For the woman facing life's most delicate challenges, the FHCI offers a calming atmosphere where she can explore resources to meet those challenges with strength, dignity, sensitivity and faith: Eden. Located on the ground floor of the FHCI in Orlando, Eden presents an array of services and products including post-mastectomy breast forms, specialty bras, wigs and designer headwear, massages, facials, manicures and more. For a full description of products and services.
Individual Nutritional Counseling
Individual nutritional assessment and education services are available by a registered, licensed dietician. These services focus on the unique eating and nutritional challenges faced by people living with cancer. The goal is to maximize the body's ability to respond to cancer treatment and to minimize nutritionally related distress from side effects of cancer treatment.
Spiritual Support
Florida Hospital recognizes that comprehensive health care embraces the whole person-body, mind, and spirit. Spiritual support is provided by a team of chaplains who are available for the primary purpose of ministering to the spiritual and emotional needs of patients and families. If you are seeking pastoral counseling, prayer, a sacrament, or connection to your own religious community, please call (407) 303-1553.
Strength for Living: Patient & Family Orientation
This one-time program focuses on the needs of those recently diagnosed with cancer. Patients and caregivers will be introduced to an array of cancer support and education information.
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.
Look Good Feel Better
The FHCI and the American Cancer Society have partnered to offer adult female patients a free makeover by a trained and licensed cosmetologist. This makeover may include makeup application, eyebrow and eyelash techniques, scarf draping and turban wrapping based on your individual needs.
Stress Control Workshop
A cancer diagnosis may be one of the most stressful experiences anyone ever encounters. This one-time program provides insight into why. Participants will receive information and training to increase their coping skills and improve their overall quality of life.
On the Road Again
This one-time program provides an opportunity to address concerns pertinent to post-treatment survivorship for patients finishing treatment. This program assists patients and caregivers in navigating through the cancer experience in a supportive and educational environment.
Food for Thought
This mini-program provides information regarding nutritional concerns as well as guidance for obtaining resources to meet practical and emotional needs throughout treatment.
Family and Caregiver Support Programs
Strength for Caring
This one-time program addresses the concerns of cancer caregivers who are new to the role. It is facilitated by health care professionals and provides both education and emotional support.
Caregivers' Connection
Many individuals feel alone in their caregiver role; this ongoing group is facilitated by health care professionals and provides an opportunity to gain support and education from other caregivers who understand these unique challenges. For dates and times, please call (407) 303-5999.
Support Groups
Pediatric Oncology Support Group
Children with cancer, their parents, and families are invited to this ongoing group focusing on issues unique to the pediatric oncology experience. Children will attend a therapeutic play workshop facilitated by a child life specialist while parents participate in a support and educational session. Children attending the therapeutic play workshop must be at least two years of age or older. Attendees to the support group must be 18 years of age or older.
Breast Cancer Support Groups
Florida Hospital offers three opportunities for women diagnosed with breast cancer: two ongoing emotional support groups facilitated by health care professionals and the Young Survival Coalition to address the needs of the younger woman diagnosed with breast cancer.
Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Support Group
Transplant candidates, survivors, and caregivers involved in the transplant process are encouraged to attend this ongoing group. It includes professional speakers who will provide educational information as well as opportunities for emotional support.
Head and Neck Support Group
This ongoing group provides information and support to cancer patients and their loved ones. Patients with any head and/or neck cancer including tongue or throat cancer are welcome to attend.
Reaching Others through Support and Education (R.O.S.E.)
R.O.S.E. is an ongoing group offering support and education for women, friends and family affected by gynecological cancers. The group is facilitated by gynecologic oncology health care professionals.
Parent and Grandparent Resource Support Program
Adults with cancer are often concerned about how diagnosis and treatment will affect the children in their lives. In this program, adults with cancer learn to help their children and grandchildren adjust to and cope with a cancer experience in the family.
Additional Support: Cancer Resource Libraries
An extensive collection of books, brochures, articles, videotapes and an interactive computer system is available throughout the FHCI including locations in Orlando, Altamonte, East Orlando, Winter Park and Celebration.
