Support for Patients and Families

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, which is why we offer one of Southern California’s most comprehensive lists of support services including:

Education Center, Resource Library and Science Gallery
Pharmacy for ease in patient access and convenience
Comforting amenities including valet parking, cafe and gardens located throughout the Cancer Center
Ginny’s Shop Appearance Center and Boutique for patients to assist with helpful products for cosmesis and comfort

The Padova Library and Resource Center, a self-service health center, has all the information you need to keep you well-informed throughout your recovery process with reliable, up-to-date medical information. We offer a small core collection of reference books and a wide range of health resources on the most common health topics. There are two computers and a printer available as well.

Our library is located on the first floor of The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, to the left of the main entry doors just across from the main patient waiting area.

The Padova Library and Resource Center is named in honor of Dr. James and Marilyn Padova for the inspirational charitable gift they made to St. Joseph Hospital in 2006 in support of the fundraising campaign to help build the Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment. Dr. Padova, oncologist and emeritus physician with St. Joseph Hospital, played a strong leadership role in the development of the cancer center. His wife, Marilyn, a cancer survivor, was an active volunteer with the Foundation for many years, helping to create and co-chair the annual Fashion Show, which continues to raise money each year for the hospital’s cancer programs.

Disclaimer: Information provided by The Padova Library and Resource Center has been gathered from a variety of consumer health resources. This information should not be interpreted as medical or professional advice. This information is offered for general informational and educational purposes only. Consult your medical professional for advice relating to a medical problem or condition.

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While you receive your cancer treatment, we want to help you do everything possible to get well including a new focus on your nutrition. Eating right can be really important to your recovery. Our doctors and researchers know that for those undergoing treatments, diets with nutritious foods high in protein and calories do better with the side effects of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and/or surgery.

Good nutrition includes a balance of protein, calories, fluids, vitamins and minerals. But while you are undergoing treatment, eating “right” can sometimes be challenging. That’s why our nutrition team at The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment at St. Joseph Hospital are here to help guide you (and your caregivers) on healthy food choices and ways to improve your eating habits.

Our registered dietitians will work with you to find the right food choices to help you feel better and stay stronger before, during and after treatment.

We provide the following education, assessment and counseling:

Eating well prior to and during treatment
Managing symptoms while on treatment
Managing specialized feeding regimens, such as tube feedings and IV parenteral nutrition support
Educating patients, families and our community on nutrition

We encourage patients to ask their physician for a referral to our nutrition experts for a personal nutritional consultation.

We’re here for you always—especially in times of crisis. As special support for you and your family, our oncology social workers provide psychosocial services as part of our integrated care team. Our team conducts research and connects you with essential community, state, national, and international resources. In addition, they provide emotional and spiritual support and assist with complex needs such as helping you adjust to illness, dealing with transitions and decision-making, and communicating with family members, friends, and your healthcare providers. We work together to create the care approach that’s right for you.

Our oncology social workers can answer many questions and provide support and assistance in the following areas:

Psychosocial assessment
Interdisciplinary team support
Coping with a new diagnosis, change in treatment, worsening prognosis or end of life care
One-on-one supportive counseling for you, your family and caregivers
Facilitating communication with family members
Defining goals of care and quality of life issues
Support groups and special programs
Referral to community resources, such as transportation and financial resources
Education about complementary medicine and self-care
Referral to legal resources
Education about advanced directives, insurance, disability, and Social Security
Advocacy

Our oncology social workers provide short-term supportive counseling to you and your family as you adjust to a new cancer diagnosis and complete treatment. We partner with The Center for Cancer Counseling to provide long-term counseling services to you and family members.

The Center for Cancer Counseling services are provided by appointment only. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call 949-474-4337.

For more information on services provided at Providence St. Joseph Hospital, contact one of our oncology social workers at 714-734-6279.