Offered at Reading Hospital. Palliative care offers relief from symptoms and treatment side effects of serious, chronic, and life-threatening illnesses.
The diagnosis and treatment of cancer lead to symptoms that are physically and emotionally distressing. Our palliative medicine physicians are fellowship-trained to help reduce those symptoms so you can continue your cancer-directed therapy as comfortably as possible.
Treat physical symptoms such as cancer-related pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, low appetite, shortness of breath, feelings of extreme low energy, etc.
Treat emotional symptoms such as depression and anxiety
Provide emotional support to you and your loved ones
Decide between treatment decisions in a way that is meaningful to your values and overall quality of life
Coordinate your care with the rest of the oncology team
Complete an Advance Directive (Medical Living Will)
Coordinate with hospice, when appropriate
We see patients after the oncology team places a referral to palliative medicine. You may also ask your oncology team for a referral.