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Day-To-Day Coping

Patients and families, who cope with cancer, face many challenges. We believe that the more our patients know about their cancer and its treatment, the more equipped they are to actively participate in their care. The Harry J. Duffey Family Patient and Family Services Program offers a variety of resources to assist patients and families during this time.
Contact: 410-955-8934

Our Team

Learn more about the team members dedicated to providing support and resources to our patients, families and caregivers.

I Need Information or Help with:

  • Staff of the Harry J. Duffey Family Patient and Family Services Program assists patients and families by providing information about available housing options, including nearby residential facilities, hotel accommodations, apartment leasing, and the Hackerman Patz Patient and Family Pavilion. Call 410-614-6527 for assistance.

  • Counseling Service

    The Counseling Services are available to individuals, couples and families who need assistance in handling the emotional distress caused by the diagnosis of cancer and its treatment. Information: 410-955-8934.

    Oncology Social Work

    Oncology social workers assist patients and families with a variety of practical, emotional and coping needs associated with cancer and cancer treatment. Located in the Weinberg Building, Suite 1210 or by calling 410-955-8934.

    Service of Remembrance

    An annual Service of Remembrance is held to honor the lives of loved ones who died from cancer. Call 410-955-8934 for information.

    Support Groups

    The Living with Cancer Resource Program offers patients, families and caregivers a variety of support groups, educational workshops and programs designed to teach patients and their families how to cope with the effects of cancer. Search the calendar of support group meetings and events at Johns Hopkins. Contact us at 410-955-8934.

  • Oncology Social Work

    Oncology social workers assist patients and families with a variety of practical, emotional and coping needs associated with cancer and cancer treatment. Located in the Weinberg Building, Suite 1210 or by calling 410-955-8934.

    Service of Remembrance

    An annual Service of Remembrance is held to honor the lives of loved ones who died from cancer. Call 410-955-8934 for information.

    Support Groups

    The Living with Cancer Resource Program offers patients, families and caregivers a variety of support groups, educational workshops and programs designed to teach patients and their families how to cope with the effects of cancer. Search the calendar of support group meetings and events at Johns Hopkins. Contact us at 410-955-8934.

    Caregiver Café

    Are you taking care of or supporting someone with cancer? You are invited to our Caregiver Café to relax, meet other caregivers and ask your questions. Just stop by on Thursdays from 11-12 in the Weinberg 5th floor waiting area across from the visitor elevators. No reservations needed. All caregivers welcome.

    Walking on Eggshells

    Walking on Eggshells is a caregiver's guide with practical, real-life direction on what to do and what to say when faced with a potentially life-limiting disease.

    Our Cancer blog

    Written by Laurie Singer Sievers, caregiver for the late Leroy Sievers, the Our Cancer blog is an extension of Leroy's blog, My Cancer, and Laurie;s dedication to the cancer and caregiver communities.

    The Fine Print of Cancer video series
    Watch the Caregiving segment.

  • Our Oncology Social Workers offer consultations, educational materials and advice on talking with your children and loved ones about your cancer diagnosis and treatment. Seek help from Oncology Social Workers, located in the Weinberg Building, Suite 1210 or by calling 410-955-8934.

    Download our "Parent's Guide, Special Resource to Assist Families Going Through Cancer"

  • Counseling Service

    The Counseling Services are available to individuals, couples and families who need assistance in handling the emotional distress caused by the diagnosis of cancer and its treatment. Information: 410-955-8934.

    Oncology Social Work

    Oncology social workers assist patients and families with a variety of practical, emotional and coping needs associated with cancer and cancer treatment. Located in the Weinberg Building, Suite 1210 or by calling 410-955-8934.

    Support Groups

    The Living with Cancer Resource Program offers patients, families and caregivers a variety of support groups, educational workshops and programs designed to teach patients and their families how to cope with the effects of cancer. Search the calendar of support group meetings and events at Johns Hopkins. Contact us at 410-955-8934.

  • Members of the Duffy Family Patient and Family Services Program provide assistance in planning patients discharge from inpatient units in the Kimmel Cancer Center's Weinberg Building. We provide facility referrals, transportation resources, connections to community resources including home care, hospice and dialysis services, and assistance in preparing Maryland Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (portable medical orders).

  • Parking garages and buildings at Johns Hopkins are accessible to people with disabilities. Wheelchairs are provided at the entrances to patient-care buildings, including the Weinberg Building. Sign language interpreters can be arranged through Oncology Social Work in the Weinberg Building, Suite 1210 or by calling 410-955-8934.

  • New patients at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center receive a Patient Guide; a customized binder, complete with handouts for that individual patient's needs. Handouts include information on the disease, treatment, coping with side effects and the psychological impact of cancer, nutrition, exercise and what to do when treatment is over.

    Patient and Family Education Room

    Patient Education Resource Rooms are conveniently located in the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Inpatients, outpatients, family members, and friends are encouraged to utilize the rooms resources, including computer and Internet access, books, brochures, magazines and more. Locations and information are available online.

    Cancer News Review Podcast

    Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center director Dr. Bill Nelson reports on the latest news oncancer research, treatment and policy each month. Increase your cancer IQ by listening to this podcast.

    Videos

    Educational videos are available to patients, caregivers and the public about cancer topics including finances, advance directives, hospice, social security; a series for cancer caregivers; chemotherapy education; cancer information from physicians and nurses at Johns Hopkins; a virtual tour of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center; and other video topics.

  • Johns Hopkins experts in medical ethics are available to help patients and families make difficult decisions about medical care. The Johns Hopkins Ethics Committee provides a team-based consultation service to patients, their families and the professional staff of the Johns Hopkins Hospital in situations of difficult decision making where moral or ethical considerations regarding the best course of action have arisen. Ethics Committee members seek to preserve the dignity of the person in what might often be difficult and stressful circumstances, facilitate understanding and communication among patients, families and care-givers in formulating treatment goals or clarifying uncertainties in management, and aid them in reaching practical and effective solutions in difficult clinical situations. Appointments with The Johns Hopkins Hospital Medical Ethics Committee and Consultation Service can be arranged by calling 410-614-0710.

  • The Johns Hopkins Home Care Group assists patients and caregivers with questions about insurance, payment issues and other financial concerns. Call 410-955-8995 for more information.

  • Sign language and foreign language interpreters can be arranged through Oncology Social Work in the Weinberg Building, Suite 1210 or by calling 410-955-8934.

  • Experts from the Johns Hopkins Cancer Rehabilitation Program are available to help our patients and survivors improve their daily function and quality of life. Services include a range of programs designed to treat issues that include fatigue, weakness, endurance, balance, pain, numbness and many other effects relates to cancer and treatments. Appointments are available by calling 410-614-3234.

  • Oncology Social Work

    Social workers are available to help patients and caregivers with questions about insurance, payment issues and other financial concerns. Located in the Weinberg Building, Suite 1210 or by calling 410-955-8934.

    The Fine Print of Cancer

    The Fine Print of Cancer is a video series educating patients and caregivers on topics of finances, advanced directives, hospice, caregiving, social security and more.

  • Johns Hopkins International provides personalized, culturally appropriate care for patients traveling from outside Maryland and the United States, and for local patients with limited English proficiency. Contact the Johns Hopkins International department at +1-410-502-7683.
  • Oncology Social Work

    Navigating the legal and financial issues that cancer patients and family members may confront can be difficult. Our Oncology Social Workers are available to assist in preparing wills, advance directives, disability applications, loss of insurance, COBRA, disability discrimination, power of attorney and other issues. Oncology social workers are located in the Weinberg Building, Suite 1210 or by calling 410-955-8934.

    The Fine Print of Cancer

    The Fine Print of Cancer is a video series educating patients and caregivers on topics of finances, advanced directives, hospice, caregiving, social security and more.

  • The Living with Cancer Resource Program offers patients, families and caregivers a variety of support groups, educational workshops and programs designed to teach patients and their families how to cope with the effects of cancer. Contact us at 410-955-8934.
  • Navigation through the health care system and dealing with cancer can be difficult and our Oncology Social Work team is available to help guide patients, caregivers and family members. Oncology social workers assist patients and families with a variety of practical, emotional and coping needs associated with cancer and cancer treatment. Located in the Weinberg Building, Suite 1210 or by calling 410-955-8934.

  • A notary public is on staff during regular business hours in the Patient and Family Services Program to serve as a witness to sign legal documents. Located in the Weinberg Building, Suite 1210 or by calling 410-955-8934.

  • Our Nutrition Services department offers patients specialized nutrition assessments, personalized dietary plans and nutritional counseling. To schedule an appointment with a nutrition specialist, call 410-955-8152.

  •  includes a team of experts who can assist in the relief of symptoms such as pain, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, emotional worry and concern, depression, difficulty sleeping and spiritual distress. Palliative care can be helpful through all stages of illness. Contact the Pain & Palliative Care team at 410-955-8305.

  • Weinberg Building Outpatient Pharmacy for Patients

    Patients may fill prescriptions and receive medication information. The pharmacy is located in the main lobby of the Weinberg Building. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 AM - 7 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM - 6 PM; phone: 410-955-5747.

    Prescription Drug Costs

    Oncology social workers can assist patients in finding financial resources for prescription drug costs. Our team of experts helps to assess eligibility for specific programs and complete the application process for government programs. Oncology social workers are located in the Weinberg Building, Suite 1210 or by calling 410-955-8934.

  • The Clinical Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program offers specifically-designed programs, including genetic counseling, genetic testing and screening, to assess an individual's cancer risk and recommend prevention strategies. Call 410-502-7082 for more information.
  • Please fill out request form.

    Once the form is received, it will be processed within 7 to 21 business days. The form can be returned to the following address or it can be faxed:

    Johns Hopkins Hospital
    Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center-Weinberg Building
    Room 1230
    401 North Broadway
    Baltimore, MD 21287

    410-367-2092

    There will be a flat fee of $6.50 for records maintained electronically. The records can be requested in paper form,  CD, or flash drive. There is no  fee to send your medical records to another physician's office. If you have any questions, you may contact us at 410-614-6070 Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time

  • Spiritual Support Services

    Experts in spiritual and pastoral care provide help to patients and family members in a non-denominational setting [link to Spiritual Support Services page]. We understand that you may struggle to understand why you have cancer, feelings of guilt, anger, grief, or isolation from your faith community. A private meditation room in the lobby of the Weinberg Building is open to patients and families 24-hours every day. Chaplains are located in the Weinberg Building, Suite 1210 or by calling 410-502-1500.

    The Fine Print of Cancer

    The Fine Print of Cancer is a video series educating patients and caregivers includings topics of spiritual support.

  • Breast Cancer Survivorship Program

    A nurse-staffed clinic for Johns Hopkins breast cancer patients, online information and videos are available.

    Cancer Survivors Day

    Free annual event to cancer survivors and their families at Johns Hopkins offers guest lectures, a Survivor Fashion Show, resources, children's activities, music and refreshments. Held the first weekend in June. [link: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel_cancer_center/news_events/]

    Cancer Survivorship List of Resources

    Cancer Survivorship resources and services are available for a wide variety of concerns and needs.

    Colorectal Cancer Survivorship Clinic

    A nurse-staffed clinic for Johns Hopkins colorectal cancer patients offers help with late effects and other survivorship-related issues.

    Leukemia Survivorship Program

    The Michael J Garil Leukemia Survivorship Program at Johns Hopkins offers information on late effects, resources and support for childhood and adult leukemia survivors. The Life Clinic at Johns Hopkins is part of the Leukemia Survivorship Program and is a clinical service to assess late effects of cancer in adults and children who have been treated at Johns Hopkins or elsewhere.

    Survivorship Videos

    Educational videos regarding survivorship issues are available for a broad range of topics. Watch the C-Answers series with information from survivorship experts and videos from the Breast Cancer Survivorship Program.

  • Staff of the Harry J. Duffey Family Patient and Family Services Program assist patients and families with finding transportation in their community to the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Call 410-955-6549 for assistance.

  • The Image Recovery Center is available to adult and pediatric cancer patients to assist with appearance changes that may occur with cancer treatments. Each patient is entitled to a complimentary consultation, and inpatient-room service is available. Services include fittings for wigs, hats, scarves, prosthesis and reconstruction products for breast cancer patients, skin and hair care products, cosmetics, compression sleeves and stockings. The Image Recovery Center is located on the first floor of the Weinberg Building, and its entrance is accessible through the Outpatient Waiting Area. Contact the Image Recovery Center at 410-502-5623.
  • Educational videos are available to patients, caregivers and the public about cancer topics including finances, advance directives, hospice, social security; a series for cancer caregivers; chemotherapy education; cancer information from physicians and nurses at Johns Hopkins; a virtual tour of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center; and other video topics.
  • Information on what to bring, medical insurance applications, understanding your medical bills, housing, transportation, getting around Johns Hopkins and a virtual tour.

The Skip Viragh Outpatient Building

The Patient and Family Services Program is pleased to announce our second location in the The Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Center.  The office is located on the second level (Suite M2115) near the entrance to the Orleans Garage.  Oncology Social Work, Transportation Coordination, Housing Coordination, Pastoral Care, Palliative Care and Notary Services will be available in the Viragh Building.

Viragh Patient Guide

patient guide
Patients should be well informed and educated about their care and resources available here at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Every new patient receives a Viragh Patient Guide; a customized binder, complete with handouts for that individual patient's needs. It is his or hers to keep. The handouts include information on the disease, treatment, coping with side effects and the psychological impact of cancer, nutrition, exercise and what to do when treatment is over.
The Weinberg Patient Guide can be viewed here.
 
Chemotherapy and You: Explains what chemotherapy is and discusses questions people may have, such as how often they will have treatment and how it will be given. Explains common side effects, why they happen, ways your health care providers can help you manage them, and tips for to managing them at home.​ Read more.
 
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