Support for Patients and Families

We offer several cancer support groups to help patients cope with the emotional and spiritual challenges surrounding a cancer diagnosis. Contact Khanhi Nguyen, LCSW at 949-573-9492 ex 4069.

Connect with other newly diagnosed patients and a certified breast cancer navigator to talk about your journey and build a firm informational foundation.

• Meets first Monday of each month, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Currently on Zoom – email invitation sent before each meeting
• Facilitator: Leonard Cancer Institute’s Breast Health Navigator, Susann Burnett, RN, BS, CN-BN

For more information, call (949) 347-6062.

Find strength and hope with other survivors before, during, and after your treatment.

• Meets second and fourth Mondays, 6–8 p.m.
• Currently on Zoom – email invitation sent before each meeting
• When social distancing regulations allow:
  Leonard Cancer Institute for Cancer Treatment, Prevention and Wellness
  27799 Medical Center Rd, 2nd Floor, Suite 250-Pellini Board Room, Mission Viejo, 92691
• Facilitator: Leonard Cancer Institute’s Breast Health Navigator, Susann Burnett, RN, BS, CN-BN

For more information, call 949-347-6062.

• Se reune el primer lunes del mes, de 6:30 a 8 p.m. en Zoom
• Facilitadora: Enfermera Navegadora del Cancer de Mama de el Hospital de Mission, Eileen Helfeld

Para obtener mas informacion, llame al 949-347-6071.

A group specifically addressing the needs of women who have recurrent and/or metastatic breast cancer.

• Meets first and third Tuesday of every month, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Currently on Zoom-email invitation sent before each meeting
• When social distancing regulations allow:
  Leonard Cancer Institute 
  27799 Medical Center Rd, 2nd Floor, Suite 250-Pellini Board Room, Mission Viejo, 92691

Eating well can be a challenge when you’re going through cancer treatment, but it’s very important. Good nutrition gives your body the fuel and support it needs to heal, to recover, to maintain a healthy weight, and to feel and stay well. Our board-certified, registered oncology dietitians provide nutrition education and support from diagnosis through survivorship. If you’re having trouble eating, are losing weight, or are concerned about potential nutrient deficiencies or treatment side effects that impact eating, we’re here to help. 

To make an appointment with a dietitian, call 949-392-3357.

If the stress of your cancer diagnosis is affecting your life or your family, please let us know. Our licensed clinical oncology social worker can help you manage the emotional and practical stressors related to a cancer diagnosis, from treatment through survivorship. Our services include counseling for individuals, couples and families; assistance with advance health care planning; help with care coordination; and referrals to other resources such as support groups and financial assistance.

To meet with a social worker in person, by phone or virtually, call 949-573-9492, ext. 4069.

A diagnosis of cancer can put someone at high risk for experiencing financial difficulty. At the Leonard Cancer Institute, we provide services to help ease your way through financial concerns and barriers. Our financial care navigator will help you:

• Evaluate insurance health plans to ensure the right choices are made for your care
• Leverage available programs and services, such as co-pay assistance and patient assistance programs to help reduce financial barriers
• Optimize external assistance programs, such as patient financial support programs

To speak with our financial navigator, call 949-573-9492, ext. 4063.

Palliative care is appropriate for any stage of a curable, chronic or life-threatening illness. Our providers work collaboratively with your physicians to provide comfort and symptom relief while you’re undergoing aggressive treatment so that you can maintain the highest possible quality of life. We help relieve serious symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, constipation, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, depression and anxiety. The focus of palliative care is to help you gain the strength you need to carry on with daily life, to improve your ability to tolerate your medical treatments, and to provide support and guidance for you and your family.

To speak with a palliative care provider, call 949-364-1400, ext. 7668.