The diagnosis and treatment of cancer lead to symptoms that are physically and emotionally distressing. Our palliative medicine physicians are fellowship-trained to help reduce those symptoms so you can continue your cancer-directed therapy as comfortably as possible.
Our team will see you directly in McGlinn Cancer Institute - Reading Hospital or when you are admitted to Reading Hospital.
How Does our Palliative Medicine Team Help?
- Treat physical symptoms such as cancer-related pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, low appetite, shortness of breath, feelings of extreme low energy, etc.
- Treat emotional symptoms such as depression and anxiety
- Provide emotional support to you and your loved ones
- Decide between treatment decisions in a way that is meaningful to your values and overall quality of life
- Coordinate your care with the rest of the oncology team
- Complete an Advance Directive (Medical Living Will)
- Coordinate with hospice, when appropriate
We see patients after the oncology team places a referral to palliative medicine. You may also ask your oncology team for a referral.