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Mind, Body and Side Effects

Creativity is Calling

For 66-year-old Christian Rasmussen, a series of stomach issues led to a diagnosis of a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. While trying to adjust and maintain a positive attitude, he heard about an art therapy workshop at the Cancer Center. His creative calling beckoned. He signed up to attend.

Support Services in All Shapes and Sizes

Every patient copes with cancer diagnosis and treatment differently. The Rogel Cancer Center's Patient and Family Support Services Program meets all types of challenges. Patients can use our services and complementary therapies to take an active role in their treatment.

Make Yourself Comfortable

Cancer and its treatment comes with symptoms and side effects. Most patients experience them at one point, some minor and others intolerable. Every caregiver at the Rogel Cancer Center -- from front-line staff at check in to nurses taking your vital signs to the technician giving your chemotherapy -- is concerned about how you’re feeling and can get you to the right person for help.

Integrative Oncology and Alternative Medicine

Integrative oncology is the combination of both conventional and complementary treatments that are evidence-based to bring about the best outcome for each patient. That can be for the prevention or treatment of cancer, the treatment of symptoms, and improvement in quality of life during survivorship.

Keeping Stress in Check

From insomnia to appetite changes to diarrhea and nausea, stress has a destructive effect on cancer patients. While symptoms of stress may call for specific treatment, the best approach is to get to the source of the stress. It's important for patients -- and in some cases their caregivers -- to develop a stress management practice at any point before, during or after treatment.

Weaving a Better Cancer Care Experience

The weaving program has been in the Rogel Cancer Center for over 12 years, offering demonstrations and short lessons on the loom. The cloth is used to create hats, pockets and tear cloths for patients and family members.

Cancer and Sleep

Every person has a master body clock that can get out of sync with the external world. Add a cancer diagnosis to the mix and while sleep becomes even more essential to good health, it can also be harder to come by based on your personal situation.

Body Image Matters

Body image can play a major role in cancer treatment and should be addressed as early as possible. For Sherry Hanson, a single mom of a 3-year-old, she was completely unprepared for the changes in her body's appearance. With the help of the U-M Rogel Cancer Center's PsychOncology Program, Sherry adjusted to her body's changes and is now at ease with herself.

Finding the Right Help

You're curious about art therapy, but you live too far away from the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center to try a session. Or maybe that group session of guided imagery just won't fit into your schedule. That's why we've put together tips for finding complementary therapy practitioners in your hometown.

Health of the Whole

Many of the traditional symptoms of depression overlap with the symptoms of cancer, such as fatigue, weight changes, sleep problems, lack of concentration, lack of energy and guilt. Each patient must be evaluated properly, in the context of the cancer itself, as part of fully integrated care that links physical treatment and the psychological needs of the individual.

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