Genesis Cancer Center Support Services
At Genesis Medical Center, we know the support of caring professionals helps cancer patients and their families find an extra measure of strength to face the challenges cancer brings.
That's why support is a vital part of our cancer care. Educational programs, information resources, counseling and a host of other services and amenities help cancer patients and their loves ones learn to adapt to the changes in their lives.
Download our Cancer Support Services Brochure
Counseling Services
The diagnosis and treatment of cancer causes major life changes. These changes are never easy, but support from family and friends, as well as your health care team, helps to relieve both emotional and physical stress.
Genesis Medical Social Services is an intricate member of this health care team offering assistance in the following ways:
- Social Workers on staff are available to speak with you and your family throughout your treatment process;
- Offering emotional support and assistance in coping with treatment;
- Guiding you to available cancer support and education groups;
- Helping you understand and talk with your numerous doctors, nurses and health care providers;
- Assisting with insurance and other financial issues
Please call Susan Williams, Oncology Social Worker, at 563-421-1082 or toll free 800-446-6088 for more information.
Holistic Care
Genesis Cancer Center offers a variety of programs and services that are complementary in nature and may be used in conjunction with your medical treatment plan.
Reiki is available in the Cancer Center while you are receiving other treatments or by appointment. Patients may ask their cancer center nurse about this service.
Guided imagery tapes are also available in our Cancer Resource Center for use at home or in the Cancer Center during treatments. Reflection Room
T 
he Reflection Room inside the Genesis Cancer Center is an oasis, a place to rest, replenish and rejuvenate. With electric candlelight, gentle healing music, and the soothing sound of a bubbling fountain, the Reflection Room provides a porthole to tranquility and contemplation. The comfortable leather chairs and calming aromatherapy invite you to relax and take a moment to explore holistic therapies to benefit both mind and body.
A prayer box is located inside the Reflection Room to place your requests for prayer by our staff. The Reflection Room is inclusive to everyone, whether your idea of prayer involves the belief of a Higher Power or simply meditating and holding someone in your heart with healing intention. Faith materials and prayer cards from a variety of faith traditions are available for you in the Reflection Room.
Wigs and Other Head Coverings
Genesis Cancer Center in partnership with the American Cancer Society accept donations of wigs and other head coverings that are new or gently used. Wigs are on display in the Reflection Room and are available for women at no cost. All donated head coverings/scarves are displayed throughout the Cancer Center and are available on a first come, first served basis. We are very grateful for the many generous donations that we receive. Capri College in Davenport is the other American Cancer Society's designated site for wig donations. This wonderful center offers the free services of a Look Good, Feel Better volunteer cosmetologist who is available by appointment to work with you in wig selection and styling. For information about this service, contact Bobbie Behrens at 563-285-8085 or r.behrens@mchsi.com.
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Music for Care and Healing
The healing effects of music are available throughout our Cancer Program. The Inpatient Oncology Unit has a large selection of tapes and CD's with players to use in patient rooms. Music is available with treatments in Radiation Therapy and in the Infusion Center. We also feature soft, soothing live music in the Infusion Center with local talent over the lunch hour once a month.
Hospice
Hospice care emphasizes the quality, not the quantity of life remaining by focusing on the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual comfort needs of both the individual and his or her family. The goal of Hospice is to help the individual make the most of each hour of each day of remaining life. In-home hospice services are provided in both Iowa and Illinois. For more information on Hospice care, contact Hospice Care of VNA at 563-421-5400 or visit the National Hospice Organization.
Nutritional Support Services
Registered dietitians are available to assist you in making nutrition-related decisions as part of your health and well-being during the cancer treatment phase and afterward. Registered dietitians can be reached to answer questions by calling 563-421-1717. If individual medical nutrition therapy is desired, you may schedule an appointment by calling 563-421-6940. For general information, call the Genesis Cancer Center 563-421-1900 or toll free 800-446-6088.
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Spiritual Care Support
Staff chaplains of the Genesis Spiritual Care Department are available to personally minister to patients, families and friends. Hospital chaplains are trained and experienced in the health care field, and serve persons of all denominations and faiths. Chaplains are available to listen, helping you deal with fears, frustrations, questions and tough decisions. They can help by praying with you or responding to sacramental needs appropriate to your faith. They can be present with you in a crisis and can be of assistance in completing Advanced Directives. Chaplains visit the Cancer Center each week to talk with patients and family members. The Spiritual Care Department is open during the week and at other times by a contact through your nurse. Call Genesis-on-Call 563-421-2000 or toll free 800-383-2575.
Information and Resources
Often times, seeking information about a cancer diagnosis or treatments or symptom management is the first part of the initial stages of the cancer journey. Genesis offers a variety of services to provide you and your family with the information that you need.
- The Cancer Resource Center is a library of information on a multitude of topics, whether you are looking for recipes and nutrition information, facts about a particular kind of cancer or stories of others who have gone before, you can find it in the Cancer Resource Center. Open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, there are hundreds of books, videos, brochures, newsletters, journals, audiotapes and Internet resources available for use and circulation.
- The links section in our web pages have been created to help ease your Internet searching.
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Rehabilitation Before and After Breast Surgery/Lymphedema Management Program
Lymphedema, a complication of cancer treatment, is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid and may cause swelling mainly in the arm or leg. This condition can develop when lymph nodes or vessels are damaged due to surgery, radiation or trauma. Our program is designed to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation program before and after breast surgery. It will help to guide you safely and comfortably through your post surgery recovery and any further cancer treatments that you may need. Our three step program teaches you about:
- Exercise and Precautions
- Fatigue
- Energy Conservation
- Self-Measurement
- Skin Care
- Lymphedema
- Self-Care Activities
For more information about our program, please contact us at 563-421-3460.
Smoking Cessation Support/Tobacco Free Living
Genesis Cancer Program and Genesis Pulmonary Services are committed to helping members of the community learn to develop healthy tobacco-free lifestyles. Smoking cessation programs are available on an individual or group basis for both adults and teens. Adult cessation sessions are offered in our Pulmonary Rehabilitation Gym, West Campus. Also available are programs that we can bring to your workplace for groups who want to quit smoking.
Teen programs are offered for schools and other facilities using the American Lung Association's "N.O.T." program by trained facilitators. Genesis Medical Center staff help facilitate classes at the Iowa Quad City elementary school level using the American Lung Association's "Smoke Free, That's Me!" curriculum.
For information about our tobacco cessation programs, please contact Chris Pekios at 563-421-1769 for information.
For additional information on tobacco in the Quad City area, go to TobaccoFree QC's Web site. Genesis is an active member of this Quad City-wide coalition and shares the mission of the elimination of tobacco use in our society.
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