Cancer Support Services

Cancer Patient Support Services (CaPSS)

At CaPSS we offer supportive programs and services to cancer patients, family members, caregivers, and loved ones. Our team is led by a simple mission: To enhance the quality of life for people in our community touched by cancer.

CaPSS counselors provide services to Morton Plant Hospital, Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, Mease Countryside Hospital and Mease Dunedin Hospital cancer patients in both the hospital and outpatient settings. Our goal is to assist you with cancer-related issues and to educate patients and families about community resources. We are part of your cancer support team.

CaPSS services are absolutely free and offers individual counseling and support services.

Contact us to find out more about our Cancer Support Services.

Please note: CaPSS counselors are available to refer cancer patients and family members to community-based mental health, substance abuse, financial and spiritual counseling as needed.

Support Groups, Classes & Events

CaPSS and BayCare are pleased to offer a wide variety of cancer support groups to patients throughout the Tampa Bay area. Find nearby cancer-related classes, events and support groups.

Resources 

CaPSS ONCOLOGY RESOURCE LIBRARIES

Two resource libraries are available for those interested in cancer information:

  • Morton Plant Hospital, Axelrod Pavilion; 1st floor 
  • Mease Countryside Hospital, Shaffer Tower; 4th floor

Educational materials and cancer-related books are available to patients, families and the community free of charge. Topics include diagnosis/treatment of specific types of cancer, coping with emotional issues, spirituality, caregiver support, and information on other cancer resources. Internet access is also provided at each location with links to websites with more information on cancer. If you would like to know more about our libraries, please call (727) 725-6016.

Breast Cancer Resources 

Breast care nurse navigator

Our Breast Care Nurse Navigator is available to provide individualized guidance to anyone who has been diagnosed or treated for breast cancer at Morton Plant Hospital for free. The role of our Breast Care Nurse Navigator is to follow patients throughout every aspect of treatment and assist as needed with coordination of care prescribed by the patient’s team of breast health specialists. Additional ways the Navigator may assist include:

  • Providing education, information and resources to women recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
  • Being a liaison between the patient and physicians to ensure better patient understanding of medical recommendations.
  • Assessing the educational, physical, psychological and social needs of the patient and family members.
  • Serving as a knowledgeable advocate for each patient.
  • Linking patients with community resources.

For patients having breast cancer surgery

If you are scheduled to have a mastectomy or partial mastectomy, you can receive a recovery camisole from “A Place for Her.” The camisole is soft cotton and has a fiberfill, unweighted prosthesis for use as an easy-to-wear post-surgery garment. It also has two detachable drainage pouches. The camisole can be worn during the first weeks after surgery, before you are ready for a weighted prosthesis. Your insurance company may cover all of part of the cost; please check.

To receive a camisole, consult with your doctor. You can visit “A Place for Her” at 1245 South Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater, or call (727) 447-1146.

Genetic counseling/testing for breast cancer

A small percentage of breast cancer – less than 20% -- may be the result of an inherited disorder. The more blood relatives you have with breast and/or ovarian cancer, the higher your risk of getting these cancers.

Genetic counseling/testing can identify your risk of future cancer as well as the risk to your children and siblings.

The most common genetic syndrome associated with a higher risk of breast cancer is BRCA1 or BRCA2. Please talk to your doctor about a referral for genetic testing and counseling. Identifying your inherited risk can help you and your doctor make the most informed decisions about your health care needs.

For more information, contact Informed Medical Decisions (IMD) at (800) 975-4819, or www.informedDNA.com.

Clinical trials for breast cancer

Clinical trials are research studies in which people help doctors find ways to improve health and cancer care. The studies test new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose or treat diseases.?

People who take part in cancer clinical trials are contributing to scientists’ knowledge about cancer and are helping in the development of improved cancer treatments.

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may want to speak to your treating physician to find out what clinical trials are currently in progress and to determine if a study is right for you.

If you do participate in a study, you will be followed up for the length of the study, and your status will be closely monitored. Remember, today’s research treatments may be tomorrow’s “standard of care.

For more information, contact Morton Plant Mease Clinical Research at (727) 461-8519.

For more information about CaPSS : (727) 462-2125 | Email