Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center offers a variety of supportive care programs. Cancer-specific support programs have been shown to play an important role in a patient’s overall treatment program.
We offer an integrated approach to psychosocial needs before, during, and after treatment. This whole-person approach to cancer care addresses the social, psychological, emotional, and functional aspects of the therapeutic journey to improve the quality of life for the patient, their family, and the caregiver. Each of these programs is offered at no cost to patients and is provided through generous philanthropic support. 100% of all gifts given to the Tahoe Forest Health System are designated to the program of the donor’s choice.
What would my experience have been had it not been for the Oncology Support Programs that Tahoe Forest Cancer Center offers their patients?
I would have felt alone.
I would have felt scared.
And the experience would have felt a bit more sterile.
In my opinion, a cancer diagnosis can be summed up in one word. Overwhelming. Every thought and feeling as to what went wrong or how it will affect my now and my later hit simultaneously. It can be difficult to understand, for each experience is highly personal and reactions and needs will vary. What those who work in these programs offer is nothing short of love. It’s a big word, but trust me, what they do is love.
They hear us, see us, have patience for us, and let us feel all the feels, because as previously stated, sometimes those feels hit all at once. They validate us. They take care of us. They give us permission to rest (or paint) when no one else will. In my most vulnerable state I never felt judged, but rather that they were all ‘holding space’ for me. Yes. I felt held.
While these programs are supplemental it is important to note that in truth they are part of the greater whole and invaluable to the healing journey. The entire staff took care of me physically. The Oncology Support Programs I participated in took care of me emotionally, mentally and even spiritually. Thank you for taking care of all of my human-ness via psychology, acupuncture, massage, crafting, and sound therapy. I am forever grateful for the all-encompassing care that the Tahoe Forest Cancer Center is and every person I encountered along the journey.
