The strain of living with cancer can be overwhelming; many patients and their families need help coping with the various challenges. The Supportive Oncology Program provides emotional and practical support for patients and their families during all stages of treatment and recovery. Our team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome, listening and responding to patient concerns, promoting well-being and treating each individual with respect and compassion.
Our services include:
Clinical Psychologists:
Work with patients and family members to manage the stress, sadness, anger and fatigue that can often accompany cancer.
Fay Hlubocky, PhD 312.695.0990
Timothy Pearman, PhD 312.695.0990
Stacy Sanford, PhD 312.695.0990
Lynne Wagner, PhD 312.695.0990
Social Workers:
Assist patients and their families in coping with the practical and financial impact of cancer, and can provide referrals.
Mary Jo Graden, LCSW (Women's Cancers) 312.695.0990
Kristen Huber, MSW, LCSW (Radiation Oncology) 312.926.4884
Mary Koludrovic, MSW, LCSW (Brain Tumor)
312.926.5351
American Cancer Society Patient Navigator:
A partnership between Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Health Learning Center and the American Cancer Society, this service provides cancer patients and their families with counseling as well as information and support. The Patient Navigator can also assist with transportation and lodging during all phases of your diagnosis and treatment.
Psychiatry Team:
The psychiatry team provides psychiatric evaluation and treatment to patients in need of additional services. They work closely with the clinical cancer care and supportive care teams to manage the unique concerns, medications and symptoms of cancer patients. Lurie Cancer Center patients can be referred by any member of their health care team.
Mehmet Dokucu, MD, PhD
Director of Cancer Psychiatry Services
Lee LaMee, RN, APN
Psychiatric Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Health Learning Center Satellite Coordinator / Medical Librarian:
The Health Learning Center Satellite Coordinator provides personalized assistance to patients and families seeking information on diagnosis, treatment options, support groups and clinical trials, and offers appropriate referrals to other information sources. Computers are available for patient and family use.
Mary O'Connor Pranica, MS
21st floor of Galter Pavilion
312.926.7377
Nutrition Services:
Healthy eating is important for everyone, but people with cancer often have special concerns. Registered Dietitians provide up-to-date research-based nutrition advice throughout cancer treatment and into recovery.
Fertility Preservation Program Navigator:
The Division of Fertility Preservation has a staff, including a full time Fertility Preservation Patient Navigator, that works with Lurie Cancer Center physicians and reproductive specialists to help patients explore the possible impact of their treatment on their fertility, understand available treatment options and provide referrals for appropriate fertility preservation interventions.
A support group for patients interested in learning aboutStarting a Family after Cancer meets the first Tuesday of each month.
Touchstone Patient Navigator (Breast):
Providing patients and families with information about breast health, treatment and supportive services, the Touchstone Navigator serves as an educator, advocate and guide before, during and after treatment into survivorship.
Lynn Galuska Elsen, RN, BSN 312.472.5821
Gilda's Club Chicago Adult Program Manager:
Patients and families at the Lurie Cancer Center have on-site access to a wide range of programs offered by Gilda's Club Chicago. Designed to be fun, informative and reduce stress, all activities are offered free of charge.
Financial Services:
Financial counselors are available to help with billing concerns and reimbursement issues, as well as enrollment in financial assistance and free medication programs. To talk to a financial counselor, call 312.695.0990
