Supportive Care: Caring for the Whole Patient

A cancer diagnosis impacts more than your physical health. It also affects your emotional well-being, making many aspects of life feel overwhelming. As a patient at Affiliated Oncologists & Gynecologic Cancer Institute of Chicago, you don’t have to face this challenge alone.

We prioritize caring for the whole patient and believe in providing care that goes beyond your physical needs. That’s why patients in the South Chicago suburbs have convenient access to specialized oncology and hematology care as part of a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan.

Our Supportive Care Program at Affiliated Oncologists & Gynecologic Cancer Institute of Chicago, offers convenient support specifically designed for individuals living with cancer.

Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed, are currently undergoing oncology or hematology treatment, or are adjusting to life as a survivor, you can receive compassionate support tailored to your personal needs.

Benefits of Supportive Care

Personalized Care Plan

Whether it's worry, low mood or fatigue, we start by asking how you're doing, where you most need support, then build support around your answer.

Collaborative Cancer Care

Your Care Manager maintains communication with your oncology or hematology providers to ensure collaborative support.

Oncology and Hematology Expertise

Our compassionate counselors are trained to navigate your treatment journey, the side effects, and the unique emotions that accompany it.

Who is this Program for?

Certain patients may benefit from additional emotional support during cancer treatment, hematology treatment, and survivorship. This includes those who are experiencing:

• Feelings of sadness or tearfulness

• Worry or fear

• Trouble sleeping or fatigue

• Relationship or family concerns

• Emotional exhaustion

• Difficulty adjusting to their diagnosis or treatment

• Stress related to the new reality or financial pressure

• Concerns about moving on with life after treatment

What to Expect

Because every patient's needs are different, support is designed to be flexible.

Depending on your situation, services may include counseling, coping strategies, and guidance through difficult life changes. Additionally, the program offers coordinated care with your oncology or hematology team, help with finding other valuable resources, and medication management when necessary.

Some patients benefit from short-term support during treatment, while others choose to use these services into survivorship. The support is available for as long as you find it helpful.

Getting Started with Supportive Care at AO

Step 1: Receive a Referral

Your oncologist, hematologist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant at Affiliated Oncologists will determine whether supportive care services may benefit you and, if appropriate, provide a referral.

Step 2: Expect Your Welcome Call

After your referral is submitted, you can expect a phone call from (708) 726-6732 within 48 hours. During this initial call, your care manager will get you familiar with the program, answer your questions, discuss insurance coverage, and help schedule your first appointment. Appointments are available via phone or secure video visit, making it easier to receive support without needing to go to the clinic.

Step 3: Begin Your Personalized Care

Your first visit focuses on learning about your goals and developing a personalized plan that supports both your emotional well-being and your overall cancer care.