THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 19, 1996 TAG: 9601170145
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: B02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JEAN GEDDES, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Long : 106 lines
When Pat Phelan was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago, she didn't know where to find answers to her questions.
``I had to do my own networking to gather information not only about my illness, but what were the latest advances and treatments and where they were offered,'' she said.
Her concern also was for her husband and four children, ages 10 to 24, and the effect her diagnosis would have on them.
``Cancer is such a personal illness, yet it concerns the whole family,'' she said.
``Through my doctors, the hospital staff and the Coastal Cancer Center, I learned it wouldn't be necessary for me to leave the area for treatment for the latest in cancer treatment was offered right here.''
Today, cancer patients and their family members don't have to go to several sources searching for answers as Phelan did. Thanks to the Cancer Resource Center at Virginia Beach General Hospital, all the information they need is a single phone call away.
Phelan was so impressed with the center when it opened last spring that she now volunteers there weekly, talking to patients about their illness from a personal perspective.
``We don't just hand out materials here,'' said Sue Salton, cancer information specialist at the center. ``We build relationships with people. We have programs for patients both through the hospital and the American Cancer Society, that are free of charge and we offer all sorts of cancer information from books, pamphlets, video and audio cassettes that people can check out of our library at no charge.''
The center tries to ease the journey of the illness through both personal and factual contact with people, to let them know they are not alone.
Salton explained that she stays in touch with all cancer-related organizations and at the touch of a computer key, can find the answers to patients' questions. She also helps them find the right book or tape to meet their needs, and can register them for the many free lectures and programs offered.
``Look Good - Feel Better'' is one of the most popular programs and will be held March 12 at the hospital. Admission is free. Patients will learn how to care for their skin, make-up techniques, hair and wig styling. They also will receive a complimentary make-up kit to help them complete the 12 steps to looking good and feeling better.
This program is one of several offered at the hospital or through the Coastal Cancer Center, which the Resource Center is part of. Others include a general cancer support group, held the third Monday of the month. Other coordinated services are available at no charge, including support groups and screenings for skin, prostate, breast and colo-rectal cancer.
Cindy Allen, nurse-manager of the Cancer Center's radiation oncology department, spearheaded the drive to establish the Resource Center.
``The need for it became a high priority with the hospital administration, physicians and staff,'' she explained. ``The doctors really got (behind) it.''
The center is funded through various sources, including $18,000 donated by the Woman's Auxiliary and a substantial donation from Virginia Beach businessman Robert Nicklin.
Hospital marketing associate Lisa Senter said that when the center opened it received only one or two calls each week, but as word has gotten out the requests have steadily increased. Last week, 37 people called for information.
``Every request for information is honored,'' Senter said, ``even if it deals with an experimental medicine we're not familiar with. We had such a call last week and Sue is currently accessing the National Cancer Institute data base for any studies or articles on it so she can inform the person.''
The resource center's directors expect their efforts to continue to grow.
``The center is just the tip of the iceberg as far as plans for the future by the hospital,'' Allen said. ``We're in our infancy and we're going to grow, improve the quality of patient care and education from prevention information to state of the art treatment.
``We now have a breast cancer performance improvement team, composed of doctors and staff who will help improve the quality of service to patients, such as cost control to not having to wait to be served. We've got a smart population here eager to be educated on the latest cancer updates and we've got the doctors who are willing to donate their time to educate and screen patients.''
Hanging on a wall at the resource center is a large picture of a daffodil in full bloom. Senter pointed to it. ``The picture has significance,'' she explained. ``Annually, in March, the hospital invites all former cancer patients and their families back to the hospital for a reception in the educational center. It's a wonderful thing to see, the bond among the patients and doctors, families and staff.''
``They're miracles out there,'' added Allen. ``Realism is important, but there are always new things to try. I wouldn't want to work any other place. We're making an impact.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by STEVE EARLEY
Information on cancer is available at the Cancer Resource Center at
Virginia Beach General Hospital.
Sue Salton, left, is a cancer information specialist and cancer
survivor. Pat Phelan is a volunteer at the Cancer Resource Center.
FOR INFORMATION
For more information, call the Cancer Resource Center at
481-8686. It is part of the Coastal Cancer Center at Virginia Beach
General Hospital.
by CNB