Support Services and Counseling
At the Johns Hopkins Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service, our goal is to treat the whole patient, not just the cancer. We recognize that cancer affects a person’s entire life and family. This is why our team of experts works together to develop a personalized care plan for every individual. Your care plan may include:
Care
- Nutrition: A registered dietician can work with you to design an eating plan before, during and after your treatment.
- Fertility Preservation: The Johns Hopkins Center for Fertility Preservation opens up a range of options for patients undergoing cancer care to start a family post-treatment.
- Physical and Occupational Therapy: The Johns Hopkins Cancer Rehabilitation Program offers outpatient physical therapy to help with fatigue, sexual function, lymphedema, joint stiffness, weakness and more.
- Acupuncture: This ancient form of Chinese medicine has helped cancer patients cope with nausea, fatigue, anxiety and depression.
- Palliative Medicine: Palliative medicine can help with the symptoms and the stress of living with a serious illness, including controlling pain, providing support for the mental and emotional effects of an illness, and managing other bothersome symptoms. This extra layer of support can be provided in combination with curative and/or restorative treatments. Learn more about our Pain and Palliative Care Program.
- Massage: The Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine and Digestive Center has an oncology massage program that tends to the needs of both patients and caregivers.
- Integrative Medicine: Ask your doctor about our incorporating integrative medicine into your care with the help of an internal medicine expert. We help connect patients with primary care physicians that understand the needs of cancer survivors through our integrative medicine program. Internists are available for patients both during and after cancer treatment at our Greenspring location with provider referral.
- Lymphoma Center: The Sidney Kimmel Lymphoma Center provides treatment and resources to individuals with lymphoma.
- Oncology Yoga: Yoga instructor, Antoinette Solnik, provides a free online class for women with cancer experience in a Washington, DC studio. This yoga class is tailored to address the physical and emotional needs left by the cancer and cancer treatments. Learn more about the class on their website. Note: You are being redirected to a website outside Johns Hopkins for informational purposes only. Johns Hopkins is not responsible for any aspect of the external website. Many local studios also offer free classes for survivors. Contact your local yoga studio to learn about oncology yoga classes near you.
- Arts Programs: Many patients have benefited from the Art of Healing series, which showcases professional performances from local artists and students.
- Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Webinar Series: The Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service brings you a 14 part webinar series covering key topics for gynecologic cancer patients, on everything from nutrition to intimacy to symptom management to journaling and more. Start watching here.
Support
- Image Recovery Center: Support focusing on self-image and how to protect yourself after chemotherapy and radiation.
- Spiritual and pastoral care (all denominations)
- Gyn Onc Survivorship Program
- Living with Cancer Resource Program
Additional Resources
NOTE: You are being directed to a website outside Johns Hopkins for informational purposes only. Johns Hopkins is not responsible for any aspect of the external website.
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The American Cancer Society
250 Williams Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
800-227-2345 www.cancer.orgThe American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
2318 Mill Road, Suite 800, Alexandria, VA 22314, Attn: Marketing & Communications
571-483-1780 or 888-651-3038 www.cancer.netFoundation for Women's Cancer
A nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing public awareness of gynecologic cancer risk awareness, prevention, early detection and optimal treatment. www.foundationforwomenscancer.orgNational Cancer Institute – NCI
9609 Medical Center Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
800-422-6237 www.cancer.govNational Coalition for Cancer Survivorship – NCCS
1010 Wayne Avenue, Suite 315,
Silver Spring, MD 20910
877-NCCS-YES (877-622-7937) www.canceradvocacy.orgNational Hospice and Palliative Care (NHPCO)
1731 King Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703-837-1500 www.nhpco.orgNational Ovarian Cancer Coalition
12221 Merit Drive
Suite 1950
Dallas, TX 75251
888-OVARIAN (888-682-7426) www.ovarian.orgThe Society of Gynecologic Oncology
230 West Monroe St.
Suite 710
Chicago, IL 60606
312-235-4060 www.sgo.orgDC Metro
[email protected]
571-234-5231Central Maryland
[email protected]
443-569-4651Frederick, Maryland
[email protected]
301-788-5348 -
Cancer Care: Counseling, Support Groups, Education, and Financial Assistance for patients and caregivers
Cervivor: Cervivor is a community, a learning tool, an advocacy resource, and an online retreat for healing, connecting, and thriving.
Claudia Mayer/Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center: The Claudia Mayer/Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center is a place to find hope, help and support for anyone diagnosed with cancer. Offering free counseling, support groups, mindfulness classes as well as practical and esthetic supplies such as wigs, hats and scarves. Also offering Integrative Health services such as massage, acupuncture and nutritional counseling (fee for service). Located at 11065 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 150, Columbia, Maryland. Center hours are M-F 9-5. Wig consultations by appointment.
The Harry J. Duffey Family Patient and Family Services Program: Patients and families, who cope with cancer, face many challenges. We believe that the more our patients know about their cancer and its treatment, the more equipped they are to actively participate in their care. Contact: 410-955-8934
Hope Connections for Cancer Support: Hope Connections is located in Bethesda, Maryland and provides emotional, physical, and social support for people with cancer and their families. Contact: 301-493-5002
Hopewell Cancer Support: Hopewell’s mission is to create a community for all people with cancer, their families and friends, which encourages an exchange of information, the development of a support system and the presence of hope. Hopewell offers a variety of programs such as; mind, body, spirit programs, educational presentations, expressive arts programs and support groups.
Imerman Angels: Imerman Angels mission is to provide personalized connections that enable one-on-one support among cancer fighters, survivors, and caregivers.
MyLifeline.org: MyLifeLine.org empowers cancer patients and caregivers to build an online support community of family and friends to foster connection, inspiration, and healing through free, personalized websites. MyLifeline.org provides resources for specific cancer types, patient and caregiver insights, financial assistance, emotional support, nutrition, and more.
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA): Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) is the leading organization in the world fighting ovarian cancer from all fronts, inculding in the lab and on Capital Hill, while supporting women and their families. OCRA’s mission is to cure ovarian cancer, advocate for patients, and support survivors. The OCRA Woman to Woman program is a program that pairs gynecologic cancer patients with trained Volunteer Mentors who provide one-on-one emotional support and mentoring. W2W also promotes education and self-advocacy for women in treatment, as well as for their partners, families, and other caregivers. Johns Hopkins Kelly Gyencologic Oncology has a thriving Woman to Woman Program and also participates in the national program. Contact: 212-268-1002
Wellness House of Annapolis: Wellness House of Annapolis provides support, education, and services to help individuals and families who have been touched by cancer recover their health and well-being in a home like environment.
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Cancers and Careers: Cancer and Careers is dedicated to empowering and educating people with cancer to thrive in their workplace by providing expert advice, interactive tools and educational events.
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Caregiver Action Network: Caregiver Action Network is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age.
CaringBridge: Caring Bridge offers a free website with all the tools patients or caregivers need to keep your family and friends updated during a difficult time.
CaringOn: CaringOn provides a way for patients with advanced cancer to say “thank you” to their primary caregiver.
Jack's Caregiver Coalition: Improving the way guys think, feel, and act through every phase of their caregiving journey.
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1840's Carrollton Inn: 1840’s Carrollton Inn is located 1 mile from Johns Hopkins Hospital. The Inn offers discounted rates, flexible check-in and check out times (when available), transportation arrangements, complimentary upgrades (when available), modified breakfast menu for dietary restrictions, in-room breakfast service, early door to-go breakfast options. Please mention any special requests before your stay so they can plan for them (including transportation). Contact: 410-385-1840
Lord Baltimore Hotel: Lord Baltimore Hotel is a recently renovated, historic downtown property offering luxurious accommodations at a incredible value. It houses 428 spectacular guestrooms and suites and features three signature dining outlets. Johns Hopkins special offer of $99 Patient/Patient Related includes; continental breakfast, complimentary self-parking, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and transportation to and from Johns Hopkins Hospital. Contact: 410-539-8400
Residence Inn by Marriott - Johns Hopkins Medical Campus: Located at the 800 block of Wolfe Street. The hotel provides discounted rates for Hopkins Patients and AAA members. The hotel provides shuttles to the hospital. Contact: 443-524-8400
Staybridge Suites - Inner Harbor: Located at 17 Commerce Street, Staybridge Suites offers a kitchen in every room, free hot breakfast, free laundry, is one block from the inner harbor and is less than a mile from JHH. To book, please contact directly at 410.624.7333 for the $79 medical rate. Contact: 410-624-7333
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Camp Mak – a – Dream: An adult retreat for ages 21 plus. In the Fall and Spring they have an ovarian cancer survivor retreat and in the fall a retreat for all women’s cancers. They do have travel scholarships for first timers.
Dream Foundation: Serving terminally-ill adults and their families by providing end-of-life Dreams that offer inspiration, comfort, and closure.
Mary's Place by the Sea: Mary’s Place by the Sea is a home for women who are receiving treatment for cancer. We provide services that complement their medical treatment, including oncology massage, nutrition education, individual counseling, Reiki, guided meditation, expressive writing, and yoga. Mary’s Place by the Sea is not a medical facility with medical staff. They offer integrative services to women with cancer and provide rest and support during this challenging time in their lives. They are empowered with knowledge that will aid them on their road to healing.
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Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic: The Johns Hopkins Integrative Medicine and Digestive Center offers acupuncture and other Chinese medicine treatments at its Green Spring Station location. Treatments are delivered in a quiet, nurturing environment while patients enjoy relaxing music.
HealthWell Foundation: The HealthWell Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to addressing the needs of individuals with insurance who cannot afford their copayments, coinsurance, and premiums for important medical treatments. Contact: 1-800-675-8416
Image Recovery: Image Recovery Center is located in both the Skip Viragh Cancer Center and the first floor of the Weinberg building. The image recovery program founded in a sincere desire to help individuals of all ages whose appearance and self-esteem are affected while undergoing treatment from illness such as cancer. Contact 410-502-5623
Johns Hopkins Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists: Johns Hopkins pelvic floor physical therapists help patients with a variety of pelvic floor issues related to pregnancy, aging, cancer, lifestyle and other factors. They work with patients of all ages and genders, and offer several convenient clinic locations in the Baltimore area through the Johns Hopkins Rehabilitation Network. The team includes several certified women’s health physical therapists, as well as therapists with specialized training in neurology, oncology, pediatrics, and other related fields. Contact 443-997-5476
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Herbal Dictionary: Determining whether herbs, vitamins, and other over-the-counter dietary supplements would be helpful or harmful to you can be challenging. Will a substance work as the label states it will? It is likely to interact with your cancer medicines? Is it worth the cost? Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s About Herbs Database, a tool for the public as well as healthcare professionals, can help you figure out the value of using common herbs and other dietary supplements.
Smith Center for Healing and Art: Offers cooking and nutrition classes, creativity workshops, therapeutic yoga and qigong, and on-day retreats all tailored to the needs of those living with cancer and their caregivers. Also offers a program for newly diagnosed patients called “Navigating Cancer: Charting your Journey” that will provide skills to help people make choices and navigate their way through the cancer experience. Contact: 202-483-8600
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Cancer Legal Resource Center: Since its founding in 1997, DRLC’s Cancer Legal Resource Center (CLRC) remains unique, providing invaluable cancer-related legal information and resources to people nationwide. The success of the Center’s work is reflected in the enormous need for the information it provides. Throughout its 15-year history, CLRC has served more than one-half million people through its Telephone Assistance Line, conferences, seminars, workshops, education and outreach programs, and other cancer community activities. Unfortunately, a cancer diagnosis may carry with it a variety of legal issues, including insurance appeals, employment rights and leave time, access to health care and government benefits, and estate planning. These legal issues can cause people unnecessary worry, confusion and stress, and can be overwhelming. When these legal issues are not addressed, people may find that although they have lived through treatment, they have lost their homes, jobs or insurance coverage. Although it should not take legal resources to access health care, understand insurance options or preserve one’s job, it frequently does. To contact the Center, please call (866) THE-CLRC. Contact 866-843-2572
The Patient Advocate Foundation: The Patient Advocate Foundation provides effective mediation and arbitration services to patients to remove obstacles to healthcare including medical debt crisis, insurance access issues and employment issues for patients with chronic, debilitating and life-threatening illnesses.
Triage Cancer: Triage Cancer is a national, non-profit organization that provides education on the practical and legal issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers, through events, materials, and resources.
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United Ostomy Association: (UOAA) is a 501(3)© nonprofit organization that supports, empowers, and advocates for people who have had or people who will have ostomy or continent diversion surgery.
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First Descents: First Descents provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults (ages 18-39) impacted by cancer.
Ulman Foundation: The Ulman Foundation changes lives by creating a community of support for young adults (15-39), and their loved ones impacted by cancer.