Cancer Services
Support Services
Support services are an important element in the care patients receive at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center.
Cancer Care Coordinator Jill Smith-Barker enjoys helping each patient as they travel the road back to good health. She meets with each newly diagnosed cancer patient and their families or caretakers following a physician's referral.
Often a cancer diagnosis brings sadness, anger, confusion, and feelings of helplessness. These feelings make it important for the person with cancer to know that support and help are readily available. My role is to provide assistance and other services which can reduce stress for the patient and their family through all phases of cancer.
“I am available to provide the confidential support and resources to people who want to help manage their cancer in a way that is respectful of their individual needs and wishes.”
Smith-Barker’s office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. week days. Smith-Barker’s phone number is 785-452-4843.
Several support groups also hold their meetings in the cancer center’s conference room. Among them: A Breast Cancer Support Group for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Survivors and Friends, for anyone diagnosed with any cancer, meet at 11 a.m. on the third Monday of each month. Man to Man, a prostate cancer support group meets at 7 p.m. of the fourth Tuesday of each month January through October.
Pam Ehlts, cancer registrar, also helps patients with several other resource programs.
One is the Look Good Feel Good program, which focuses on helping women care for their hair and skin during treatment.
"Cancer is a devastating disease," she said, noting that making an effort to keep up a good appearance is important "even when you don't feel good."
Ehlts can offer information and encouragement to patients from her office on the second floor of the cancer center. She can be reached at 785-452-7037 during office hours of 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. One of the services she oversees is the cancer center's appearance center, a private area for patients to select wigs, turbans and breast prostheses. Trained cosmetologists are available to teach women how to apply makeup and how to wear and care for their wigs and turbans.
Ehlts, who is a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, also oversees the nutritional supplement program. The program provides one case of liquid supplement each month to anyone receiving radiation or chemotherapy and needing the liquid supplement for nutritional purposes.
Patients who drive some distance for treatment at the cancer center can also apply for a $50 gas card. This is available to patients who live 50 miles or more from Salina.
Information is available for patients through the cancer center's resource library located on the first floor.
Link to information about other support services available.
| Dietary Support | Transportation |
| Appearance Center | Support Groups |
| Rehabilitation Therapy |
Maintaining proper nutrition and body weight often plays a major role in one's ability to tolerate cancer treatment and sustain the strength and an energy level needed to fulfill daily tasks. Usually this requires patients to modify their diet and the expertise of a registered dietitian becomes essential.
Depending on the type of cancer and the treatments being used, patients may experience nausea, loss of appetite, or have trouble swallowing. But there are remedies available to overcome most side effects.
Patients may need to be put on special diets or need dietary supplements. There are many supplements available specifically for cancer patients that pack protein, vitamins and nutrients - all of which is needed to maintain and grow normal cellular tissue.
Med-A-Van offer Transportation
Cancer treatment often involves a structured schedule of therapies and appointments with physicians. Not everyone has a vehicle or a friend or loved-one who can take them to every appointment. OCCK and its Med-A-Van service is available to alleviate this burden.
Med-A-Van provides transportation to patients to and from the cancer center from anywhere within the 15-county Sunflower Health Network. The service is available free of charge to anyone regardless on income status. Donations are accepted to help maintain the service.
Patients who drive 50 miles or more each way for treatment at the cancer center may qualify for a $50 gas card. Patients should see Jill Smith-Barker (Cancer Care Coordinator) for details.
Gain Confidence in your Appearance
The Appearance Center at Tammy Walker Cancer Center is a resource for wigs, turbans, breast prosthesis and bras for women dealing with cancer treatment side effects. Cosmetologists provide the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel Better” program to all female cancer patients.
Shoulder stiffness, loss of strength, lymphedema, and fatigue are among the possible side effects of breast cancer treatment. Ruth Cathcart-Rake, a physical therapist with specialized training in breast cancer rehabilitation, is available to assist breast cancer patients in dealing with the challenges they face during and following cancer treatment. An individualized program can promote recovery and increase independence. Quality of life can be improved by increasing shoulder mobility, increasing arm strength, reducing the risk of lymphedema and combating fatigue. Moderate exercise and diet are important in maintaining a healthy weight and improving survival.
Survivors and Friends is a group which focuses on living with cancer, coping with the emotional impact of the diagnosis, adjusting to the stresses and changes of dealing with cancer treatment. This group meets at 11 a.m. on the third Monday of every other month at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center.
Breast Cancer Survivors meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center.
Man to Man, an American Cancer Society program for men with prostate cancer, meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center, January through October.
Call 452-4843 for details.