Complementary Services

Pluta Cancer Center recognizes the significant impact a cancer diagnosis can have on the lives of patients and their families. Our fulltime oncology social worker is available to assist patients, their families, and support persons with psychosocial issues throughout the course of treatment. Psychosocial issues include financial concerns, supportive counseling, meditation and guided imagery, transportation, homecare and hospice referrals, durable medical equipment, insurance coverage, community and national referrals, and crisis intervention.

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Pluta Cancer Center's support group, facilitated by our social worker, is open both to Pluta patients and cancer patients in the community and provides an atmosphere conducive to sharing experiences, learning, self-awareness and connections with others. Group members are respectful of each other and confidentiality is practiced.

The Wellness Empowerment or "WE" support group is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis as well as family members (over the age of 18) and support persons. The group meets the second Wednesday of every month from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. and a light supper is provided. In addition to relaxation exercises and meditation, speakers on topics of interest to the group are also featured.

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Massage therapy has been shown to help reduce anxiety and ease pain among cancer patients. At Pluta Cancer Center, this relaxation-oriented therapy is offered to patients without fee while they are in chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment.

Massage services are customized taking into consideration the patient’s diagnosis, side effects, treatment regimen, and preferences. Pluta's licensed massage therapist has special training in oncology massage.

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Pluta Cancer Center strives to provide comprehensive nutrition care and education to patients and their families. Our registered dietitian works as a member of the cancer care team to pinpoint opportunities for nutrition intervention and support. Nutritional well-being is an integral part of your care; optimal nutrition allows your body to function at its best. The benefits of nutritional well-being for people in cancer treatment include:

• Support the functioning of the immune system
• Manage nutrition impact symptoms of radiation and chemotherapy
• Preserve or rebuild lean body mass
• Decrease risk of infection
• Improve strength and energy level
• Improve tolerance to treatment
• Help the recuperation process after treatment
• Improve quality of life

Good nutrition keeps you strong and increases the chance that your cancer treatment will progress without interruption. Your body needs energy and nutrients to repair the effects of cancer treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Our dietitian can assist you by making recommendations to manage side effects and for nourishing yourself with healthful foods during and after treatment.
 

What happens at a nutrition consultation?

A nutrition consultation is an open conversation between you and our dietitian and covers such topics as your medical history, weight history, dietary intake, fluid intake, appetite, and overall well-being. During treatment, you will learn about dietary interventions to help manage any treatment side effects and maintain optimal nutritional health to support your treatment plan.

When should I see the dietitian?

Cancer treatments can affect your ability to eat. A registered dietitian can help you manage these side effects to maintain optimal dietary intake. The table below lists treatment options and their impact on eating. This table is provided by National Cancer Institute at http://cancer.gov.

Treatment	How It Can Affect Eating	Potential Side Effects
Surgery	Increases the need for good nutrition. May slow digestion. May lessen the ability of the mouth, throat, and stomach to work properly. Adequate nutrition helps wound-healing and recovery.	Before surgery, a high-protein, high-calorie diet may be prescribed if a patient is underweight or weak. After surgery, some patients may not be able to eat normally at first. They may receive nutrients through a needle in their vein or through a tube in their nose or stomach.
Radiation Therapy	As it damages cancer cells, it also may affect healthy cells and healthy parts of the body.	Treatment to the head, neck, or chest may cause: Dry mouth Sore mouth Sore throat Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) Change in taste of food Dental problems Increased phlegm Treatment of abdomen or pelvis may cause: Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Cramps, bloating
Chemotherapy	As it destroys cancer cells, it also may affect the digestive system and the desire or ability to eat.	Nausea and vomiting Loss of appetite Diarrhea Constipation Sore mouth or throat Weight gain or loss Change in taste of food
Immunotherapy	As it stimulates your immune system to fight cancer cells, it can affect the desire or ability to eat.	Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Sore mouth Severe weight loss Dry mouth Change in taste of food Muscle aches, fatigue, fever
Hormonal Therapy	Some types can increase appetite and change how the body handles fluids.	Changes in appetite Fluid retention

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Nutrition and cooking classes are held regularly with a focus on developing skills that support the adoption of a plant-based diet. In each class, the group prepares several recipes using seasonal foods. Topics of discussion vary and are chosen based on patient interest. Classes are generally held the third Wednesday of the month from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Register by emailing sczap@plutacancercenter.org.

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