Cancer Counseling Services

For one on one psychotherapy or family counseling. Call 410-955-1010 for appointments downtown. For Green Spring Station appointments call 410-583-2970.

Nursing

Specialized nurses work with your doctors and other health care providers to help coordinate your care, as well as educate and support you through your breast cancer experience. These nurses can help answer your questions about treatment options, managing side effects, recovery and survivorship issues, what is normal/abnormal, and information resources. They will listen to your particular concerns, help you directly, and guide you to other resources as needed.

Surgical Oncology:

• Obtains histories and performs physical examinations.
• Assesses the patient's physical, emotional and social needs.
• Establishes diagnosis for common acute breast problems prior to and following surgical intervention as well as other non-acute health problems which may effect the operative course of treatment.
• Orders, performs, and interprets laboratory data.
• Orders medications and treatments.
• Counsels patients and family members on the emotional and physical responses resulting from the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

The Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic - The Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic is designed to evaluate patients with known breast cancer. The clinic is committed to a single day comprehensive patient evaluation by surgical oncologists and radiation oncologists incorporating all the resources available for the education, diagnosis, treatment and research of breast cancer by some of the top breast cancer clinicians and specialists in the country.

Breast Screening, Prevention and Long Term Follow Up: 443-287-2778
This program provides an integrated approach to breast care. It is staffed by experienced nurse practitioners who specialize in breast health, breast wellness, and long term follow up for breast cancer survivors. The program provides comprehensive care and screening for women of all ages who are experiencing breast complaints. Screening and follow-up is also provided for women with a previous history of breast cancer who have no evidence of disease, and may be at higher risk for recurrence than other women.

Social work support services
We have social workers available to you and your family throughout your continuum of care. Please make your doctor or nurse aware if you wish to be connected with someone.

Respite Room
This facility is a private room localed at the Joanne Rockwell Memorial House here at the hospital. it is open to patients, family members or visitors to termporarily rest and relax between outpatient appointments or treatments while they are on our campus. To schedule use of the Respite room call 410-955-2304.

It is open daily from 9am to 9pm.

Navigating Your Cancer Experience - information to use on the journey:
This is a free educational program for cancer patients and their families and is held on tuesdays from 2pm to 3:30pm at the Johns Hopkins Green Spring Station, Pavillion II, first floor conference room. RSVP required no later than one week prior to a session date. for registration call either Kelly Merer at 410-616-7160 or Carole Seddon at 410-955-1010.

Gerioncology
A specialty clinic for seniors with breast cancer: www.hopkinskimmelcancercenter.org

Occupational Therapy (O.T.):
O.T. offers an exercise program for breast surgery patients to improve the motion and use of the arm at home after surgery. Additional treatment is available for problems which include persistent difficulty with arm motion or strength. When any of these problems interfere with performing personal care, child care, home care or work duties, O.T. offers training in the use of adapted aids and methods to safely and efficiently complete the activity. O.T. also offers instruction in arm lymphedema management.

Physical Therapy (P.T.):
Physical therapy services are available to women before and after breast surgery. P.T. offers instruction in general exercise and fitness, as well as specialized instruction for women having breast reconstruction with flaps. Services also include help with weakness and certain types of pain problems. P.T. provides information to women who are interested in instruction about returning to their previous exercise program or activity level after breast cancer treatment.

Oncology Nutrition Service:
The Oncology Nutrition Service is available to address concerns both during and after treatment. Our staff offers assistance in managing side effects of treatment such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting or weight gain. After treatment, individual counseling and group education is also available on such topics as weight reduction, low fat diets, healthier eating, and specific nutrition questions.

The Johns Hopkins Breast Cancer Survivor Volunteer Programs

Contact Lillie Shockey, RN, BS, MAS, Administrative Director of the Johns Hopkins Breast Center, (410) 614-2853

Community Ambassador: Survivor volunteers promote early detection, by speaking in their community on breast cancer causes and behaviors to reduce risk. These volunteers are trained by the Breast Center Education staff and many are certified as Breast Health Educators by the American Cancer Society.

Survivors helping Survivors: Volunteers provide one to one support to newly diagnosed patients.

Breast Cancer Lobbyist & Advocate: Survivor volunteers receive training offered through CanSurMont, NABCO, NBCC and then educate government officials about issues ranging from protecting a woman's employment after a diagnosis of breast cancer to helping ensure there are national standards developed for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Fund Raising for National Breast Cancer Organizations: These survivor volunteers learn how to conduct fund raising activities for specific organizations and to facilitate research funds for breast cancer research.

Fund Raising for the Johns Hopkins Breast Center: These volunteers work with the staff of the Breast Center to raise money targeted for specific programs and services.

Events Planning: Volunteers assist with the planning, coordination, and execution of many of our educational conferences, fund raisers, and survivor events.