Spotlight On Our Oncology Social Work Team

A cancer diagnosis can be one of the most stressful and impactful experiences of your life. Often times, people experience shock, confusion, anxiety, and even anger. It may take time for you to process the feelings and reality of dealing with this unexpected life change. At the Center for Cancer Care, we work with an on-site support team to help you navigate a cancer diagnosis, and manage the multitude of questions and emotions this may bring.

Many people who may experience a time of grieving and sadness after their cancer diagnosis. This is often a normal part of the process, and while it should not be ignored, it is also important to realize it is not out of the ordinary. You may also have concerns about your family, your future, finances and your ability to continue your career. If you find your are experiencing an uncomfortable amount of stress or emotional distress, consider speaking with one of our experienced oncology social workers, available through the Gwinnett Medical Cancer Care Resource Center. These resources are offered free of charge, and can have a dramatic impact on both your physical and emotional comfort during treatment.

The role of the oncology social worker is to help patients, families, and caregivers deal with the experience of facing cancer. Social workers are educated and skilled to assist with the psychological, social, emotional, and spiritual issues that people have to deal with in oncology. Our social work team works both one-on-one with individuals in treatment and with their families, to address any areas of concern they may be dealing with.

Our social work team focuses on 4 key areas that many patients find they want assistance with.

1. Communication about your diagnosis: This includes how to talk to your family, children, friends, and coworkers about your diagnosis and the effects it may have. They also assist you learning how to talk to your treatment team, so you are sure your needs are being met. Lastly, they can also help you make a medical care plan, and create an advanced directive.

2. Adjustment to diagnosis: Most individuals need a support team when learning to deal with the reality of a cancer diagnosis. Our social worker team helps individuals understand and cope with the anger, sadness, worry and fear that often accompany a new diagnosis. They are also available to discuss concerns for or with a caregiver, and questions about survivorship.

3. Financial concerns: While the Center for Cancer Care has resources available specifically for benefit counseling, the social worker team can also help families deal with the financial realities of a cancer diagnosis and the impact it may have on a family. There are many resources available to our patients and we do our best to educate them about all of the services available to make this time more bearable financially.

4. Community resources: We are blessed to be able to provide a multitude of community-based resources for our patient family. From transportation to home delivered meals, our social worker team can discuss with you a multitude of resources that can help make your transition into treatment a smoother process.

It is important to remember that a cancer diagnosis can have a profound and resounding impact on you, your loved ones, and the circle of people that love and care about you. It is perfectly normal and expected to experience a litany of emotions when faced with a cancer diagnosis. However, there is no reason to go it alone. Our experienced group of oncology social workers have been helping our Gwinnett cancer patients navigate this process for many years, and can help minimize the impact your diagnosis has on your daily life. If you are experiencing difficulties emotionally, mentally, or financially- please reach out to us for help. Our goal is to help make you more comfortable and informed while we help restore you to your best self!

To schedule an appointment, reach out to us at 678-312-3100.