News — Amber Geisler, LMSW, is an oncology social worker who sees patients in Mercy’s . Amber was interviewed by HealthCentral.com for a feature about how patients with metastatic can access needed community support.
Why is it so important for a patient with metastatic HER2-Low (or other forms of metastatic breast cancer) to have community support?
Breast cancer can impact individuals of a wide age range. Individuals who have faced a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis face an array of experiences and emotions that are unique. Facing a diagnosis can be overwhelming, isolating, discouraging, lead to anxiety and depression. It is important for individuals to surround themselves with positive support throughout this journey. Fortunately, there are multiple community organizations whose sole focus is on metastatic breast cancer individuals or who have specific resources for this population.
What qualifies as community support?
Community support refers to resources and services outside of the hospital/medical center that are available to individuals within the community. This could be small local agencies and non-profits who services the surrounding city or counties. For example, we often connect our patients with Hope Well for Cancer support in Lutherville, MD, as well as Wellness House of Annapolis. Both of these organizations offer support resources through support groups, programs, brief counseling sessions, etc. Community support can also be organizations who offer resources and services statewide or nationwide. Community support of all kinds can be beneficial to patients and families throughout a cancer journey. Incorporating additional support outside of a patient’s medical team and personal support system can help fill in gaps. Whether it is an in-person networking event, educational blogs, patient hotlines or virtual support groups, there are resources for needs of all kinds that patient’s may face after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Where would a breast cancer patient look for community support resources?
Breast cancer patients can look for community support resources in a few different ways. Patients can connect with their cancer center’s social work team to inquire about available resources. Networking can also be a beneficial way to inquire about community resources. If a patient knows someone who has experienced a similar diagnosis or is a part of a breast cancer network, they can inquire about resources and services that have benefited other patients. Not every organization will be helpful to a patient, but it helpful to know the options available.
Does the hospital/medical center help with locating resources?
Yes, one way patients can locate resources can be by speaking with their center’s social work and patient navigation team. Patients have the opportunity to discuss their thoughts, feelings and experiences with these staff members. This can offer immediate support but also sets the social work team up to provide referrals in the community that can best support the patient’s needs. The care team works together and is in constant communication about a patient’s care plan and needs. If a patient is unsure of how to connect with a social work team, they have the opportunity to inform another staff member, who can then make a referral to the social work team. Our main goal is to make sure we meet the needs of our patients to the best of our ability, which includes utilizing community resources and continuing to research and work with community resources.
What do you feel are the most important resources for a person with metastatic breast cancer?
In my experience, I feel the most important resources for patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer are emotional support and educational support resources. There is research happening every day for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. As important as it is for doctors to educate themselves and stay on top of new information and findings, it is also important for patients to be educated. There are a variety of resources in the community that provide educational information about metastatic breast cancer, treatment options, recommendations for symptom management, etc. Encouraging patients to educate themselves allows them to feel empowered in their care and treatment. It can allow them to take charge of their journey.
In terms of mental health, should the person be trying to access counseling as well?
As an oncology social worker, I feel like additional support for the patient throughout their cancer journey is always encouraged. No matter what stage of treatment the patient may be in, they may not be open or ready to take the step to speak with a counselor. Meeting the patient where they are is most important, but preparing the patient with resources and informing them that the option is available to them is also important. I am always happy to provide patients with organizations who offer counseling services or connect patients with in-network counselors if the need arises. If patients have any questions or do not know where or how to start in regards to finding a counselor, reach out to your cancer center’s social work team.
Are there any national organizations that a person could take advantage of?
We have referred patients to several national organizations who offer resources and support for breast cancer patients:
- Share Cancer Support has specific section and resources for women who have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
- Metavivor is an organization that focuses on metastatic breast cancer support, awareness and research.
- American Cancer Society (ACS) is a national organization that offers resources for a variety of cancer, including breast cancer. ACS has a specific program called Reach to Recovery, which is a peer-to-peer program that offers peer mentorship to individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Sisters' Network Inc. is a national organization with chapters around the country that works to support Black women. This organization works to provide breast cancer screenings to women across the country, as well as resources for patients who have been diagnosed.
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a nationwide, nonprofit organization that can provide reliable and trusted information and community support for individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Cancer Care is a nationwide organization that offers support groups, financial assistance, caregiver resources and educational material.
Is palliative care an option that patients should consider when they are thinking of reaching out for support?
The social work team and medical teams work closely with palliative care in regard to patients' treatment plans. Palliative care takes a patient-centered approach. Its main goal is to work on improving patients' quality of life in regard to pain and symptom management, as well as provide supportive resources to the patient and family. Palliative care can be provided alongside treatment. The palliative care team can be a good additional support resource for both the patient and the family. In addition to palliative care, integrative medicine can be beneficial. This could include mindfulness exercises, acupuncture, massages, music therapy, reiki, yoga, etc.
–Amber Geisler, LMSW
Oncology Social Worker
The Institute for Cancer Care at Mercy
combines the skill of , a team of highly trained , access to the latest, most appropriate technology and medications, leading-edge clinical trials and research, and state-of-the-art facilities. Part of Mercy’s Institute for Cancer Care, offers breast cancer diagnosis and treatment with experienced breast surgeons and breast cancer specialists, personally guiding them through the treatment and healing process.
RSS