Eating well helps build your strength during and after radiation therapy and can lessen some of the side effects. Even so, it isn’t always easy. Cancer and cancer treatments can make it harder for your body to get what it needs from your food. Sometimes you may just find it hard to eat.
On the other hand, you might enjoy food throughout most of your cancer treatment. It’s hard to know in advance how you will react. In general, if the food you are eating is not bothering you, then it is usually ok to eat.
These include:
Your care team can:
My Blue Dots is a non-profit organization founded by Sue McCollum, a former Stanford Health Care cancer patient. This organization honors those that have gone through the cancer experience, as well as informs, educates and supports those going through the experience.
The blue dots symbolically represent the dots that were once tattooed on the skin of cancer patients to guide the radiation treatments, (although tattoos are not used much anymore).
My Blue Dots salutes and honors all those who are going through a cancer experience.
The “My Blue Dots” pin represents a badge of courage to those who complete their treatments at Stanford Health Care. They were created to provide patients, their loved ones, caregivers and health care team a symbol to show support for those going through the cancer journey.
In addition to this online program, get more information about having radiation therapy at Stanford on our website, watching videos, or by attending our onsite classes. We provide the education you need in the format that works best for you.
Stanford provides a variety of cancer resources, from education to classes and workshops, that you can access directly (most are free for cancer patients, their caregivers and loved ones).
The Cancer Supportive Care Program provides support groups, classes, workshops, personal one-on-one consultations and services. All are open to all cancer patients in the community.
Caring for caregivers with support, resources, and education.
Learn more at the Stanford Caregiver Center.
We know that many of you have questions about insurance and how to pay for your care. Meet with one of our financial counselors to find the best approach to paying for your health care.
There are a variety of options available for those with limited or no insurance.
Financial counselors are available:
MyHealth is an essential tool if you are a Stanford Health Care patient or caregiver.
The Patient & Family Resource Guide is a comprehensive guide and workbook to assist patients with their cancer experience at Stanford.
Social Work & Case Management supports patient and caregivers’ ability to manage stress while coping with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Our medical librarians provide information searches, at no charge, for all your medical or health-related questions.
The Health Library is available:
Whether you are a Stanford Health Care patient, family member, friend or staff member, Spiritual Care Service is here to compassionately accompany you with open-hearted conversation about hope, gratitude, fear, connection and meaning.
Spiritual Care Service is available:
The Tobacco Treatment Service at Stanford Health Care provides services that are available in-person at the Cancer Center or through telemedicine:
cancersupportivecare@stanfordhealthcare.org
Stanford University School of Medicine
401 Quarry Road
Stanford, CA
Stanford provides additional services to support your care and treatment. Speak with your care team to find out how they can help you access these services.
The Clinical Cancer Genetics Program has healthcare professionals who can help:
Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients and their families through the management of symptoms, pain and stress brought on by a serious illness.
Step 1:
Ask your oncologist for a referral to Palliative Medicine
Step 2:
Call 650-497-1290 to schedule your appointment
Physical therapy may help you:
Clinical trials play an important role in developing new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat different types of cancer.
Our team of psychiatrists, psychologists and nurse practitioners in the Psycho-Oncology Program offer psychiatric consultation, brief therapy and emotional support to patients with cancer.
License nutritionists, specializing in cancer nutrition counseling, support patients concerned about maintaining proper nutrition before, during, and after cancer treatment.
Step 1:
Ask your oncologist for a referral to Nutrition
Step 2:
Call 650-497-1290 to schedule your appointment
Learn more at the Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients website.