You're not alone—we're here to support you every step of the way.
Keeping my hair was such a big boost to my energy levels, my self-esteem, and my overall well-being. Just being able to look in the mirror and still see Suzy was great! It meant I could go out when I was feeling up to it and I could be somewhat normal for a few hours. For me, it was just one small thing during the big cancer ordeal that meant a lot.
Suzanne Bloomhuff
Appleton, WI
We offer a cancer risk assessment with a trained genetics professional who will share the genetic testing risk results in a supportive and educational way. This service is available to those with early onset or rare cancer, a family history of cancer or with concern about developing cancer because of personal or family risk factors.
ThedaCare offers state-of-the-art digital PET/CT technology to measure body functions such as blood flow, metabolism and oxygen use. Using the information gathered, we can:
Our experts use molecular profile testing to view a blueprint of your cancer, giving us the ability to determine the origin of your cancer, its potential for spreading, its specific drug responsiveness and the likelihood of it coming back. The result is a more precise cancer diagnosis, and, in turn, more personalized and effective treatments.
ThedaCare has a growing research program of which WiNCORP is the cornerstone. Now in their second year of funding through an NIH NCORP grant, there are numerous clinical trials open for enrollment, including those for breast, screening, lung, hematology, GI, GU, skin, head and neck cancers. There is also a trial for cancer patients who have COVID-19.
Cancer Navigators are registered nurses or social workers and provide patients, families and caregivers with education and assistance to overcome health care barriers and assist with timely access to quality health care by collaborating with medical providers to expedite patient care, providing patient education, introducing appropriate support services, and linking patients with community resources and agencies. They are here to support you during your cancer treatment.
Please call the number below to reach our general cancer center number and ask to speak with a navigator.
Good nutrition is important for everyone, especially cancer patients. Eating the right kinds of foods before, during and after treatment can help you feel better and stay stronger. Our dieticians can provide nutrition guides, recommend meal plans and give you tips on what foods to eat and avoid.
Cancer patients often experience unsettling hair loss and changes to their skin as a result of treatment. Find comfort and companionship at the High Hopes Salon within the ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center where our on-site cosmetologist can help you find and fit a wig, provide makeup and skin care tips, and offer private, compassionate advice.
ThedaCare was also the first cancer center in Wisconsin to offer the DigniCap® Scalp Cooling System to our patients. DigniCap® may be able to help prevent hair loss associated with some specific chemotherapy regimens by reducing blood flow to the scalp, thus reducing the amount of damage to your hair follicles during treatment.
ThedaCare was the first cancer center in Wisconsin to offer the DigniCap® Scalp Cooling System to our patients. DigniCap® may be able to help prevent hair loss associated with some specific chemotherapy regimens. Dignicap® works to reduce blood flow to the scalp, thus reducing the amount of damage to your hair follicles during treatment.
To learn more about the High Hopes Salon, Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful, or to make an appointment, please call Lisa at 920-364-3660 or email: lisa.kellnhauser@thedacare.org.
We recognize the power of connection between mind and body when it comes to healing. ThedaCare offers a meditation room for patients seeking a calm and serene setting to relax their mind.
There are several support groups available at ThedaCare for cancer patients and survivors, both for people dealing with specific cancers like ovarian or breast, or cancer in general. Ask your doctor or nurse for additional information and meeting times.
Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness with the goal of improving quality of life for both the patient and the family. Our specialists work together with your healthcare providers and family to offer an extra layer of support and make expert recommendations for lessening the effects of symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. The intended result is an improved ability to endure medical treatments and carry on with daily life to the most comfortable extent possible. Palliative care is appropriate at any age and at any point in a serious illness and can be delivered with curative treatment.
Nobody wants to lose their battle with cancer, but having an end-of-life plan can ensure that your last days, or those of a loved one, are spent peacefully. Hospice care is available to patients who’ve been given a terminal diagnosis, and can greatly add to the quality of life for both the patient and their family, allowing them to spend precious time together in a comfortable setting. You can receive hospice care in your home with the help of a caregiver (typically a family member or friend) and skilled nursing support, or in one of ThedaCare’s two hospice residences.
We always encourage a family member or friend to come with you to your office visits. If for any reason no one is available to attend with you, ThedaCare’s Regional Cancer Center offers six exam rooms with video conferencing capability to allow your family member or friend to connect remotely via mobile phone, tablet or laptop. Please call ahead to arrange video conferencing or tell your nurse when you arrive for your appointment.
Based in Cancer Center Support Services, our dedicated cancer therapist can provide one-on-one and family counseling services to all types of cancer patients. Our therapist understands cancer care and interacts daily with doctors and nurses.
Cancer can have emotional and physical effects, even on people who aren’t suffering from the disease. Our cancer therapist, located at the Cancer Center Support Services, can help you cope. From the stresses of providing care at home to the financial burden that can result from lost time away from work, there’s no topic that’s off-limits. Ask your provider about support resources available for caregivers and families of cancer patients.
Our survivorship program determines services and programs that will help to address the unique needs of each cancer survivor. The plan is communicated to the survivor and their family members early in the treatment process to help them coordinate future care, and is frequently revisited and adjusted as necessary to address changing needs of the survivor.
American Cancer Society
Learn about cancer, treatments, prevention and survivorship from this nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer.
CancerCare
A leading national organization providing free, professional support services, including counseling, support groups and financial assistance to anyone affected by cancer.
CareCalendar
Use this free website to organize meals and help loved ones or community members in need during illness or life-changing events such as the birth of a baby or death in the family.
CaringBridge
This free social networking service offers tools to keep family and friends updated all in one place. Get support, share updates and connect with others in a secure environment where no one feels alone in their journey.
United Way 2-1-1
United Way 2-1-1 provides easy, simple access to health and human services, gives callers an opportunity to get or give help, and serves as a hub for community information. 2-1-1 is available 7-days a week, 24-hours a day and is free and confidential for callers.
Community Benefit Tree
More than crowdfunding, get support to help patients and family members during medical crises or help with finances, health resources and spiritual well-being.
HOPE Cancer Connection of the Fox Valley
HOPE Cancer Connection of the Fox Valley HOPE Cancer Connection, Inc. connects cancer patients to support groups, exercise programs, specialized yoga classes, nutritional information, survivor-to-survivor support, links to medically-approved websites, educational programs presented by area experts in their field, spiritually-based support, a place to laugh, caregiver support, guide to cancer related merchandise in the area, and a continuously growing network of connections.
LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA
Learn about the importance of physical activity after a cancer diagnosis to get cancer survivors back on their feet with post-rehabilitation exercise and supportive cancer care.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Get accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive cancer information from the U.S. government's principal agency for cancer research and training.
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
You'll find a variety of resources for patients and their caregivers, including NCCN Guidelines for Patients®, patient and payment assistance information and clinical trial enrollment information.
