Patient Resources

Being diagnosed with cancer is a very stressful and emotional time. The diagnosis can impact many areas of your life from your family dynamics to financial stress. At times, a cancer patient may not know who to contact to get questions answered, where to begin, or what to expect. Our collaborative approach to cancer care focuses on prevention, early detection, treatment, and support. We want to be there every step of the way on your journey to recovery.

Caregiver Support

The patient is not the only one fighting the battle against cancer. Their family, friends, and caregivers are also affected. There are many challenges to being a caregiver for a cancer patient—including managing the patient’s medicines, taking care of the patient, communicating with their medical team, and the legal and financial issues that sometimes come with battling cancer.

Feel free to attend any of the appointments or programs we offer with your loved one and ask questions to help you get through this difficult time. We want to help you support your loved one while taking care of yourself at the same time. Be sure to check out our calendar page for the cancer center’s events, or speak with one of our nurses by calling (740) 376-5000.

Financial Services

One thing that we do not want our patients or families to worry about during cancer treatment is how they are going to pay for it. Memorial Health System has different financial options for patients. To learn more about financial assistance, visit our Billing and Financial Assistance Information page on our website. Please call one of our friendly and caring patient financial advocates if you have any questions.

Patient Financial Advocates

For questions or help with hospital or clinic bills, insurance, payment plans, or assistance programs, please call our patient financial advocates at (740) 568-5263.

Oncology Rehab Program/Lymphedema Management

If need be, we provide comprehensive rehabilitation programs of the highest quality as a part of your treatment plan to improve your mobility and mental health. Our Outpatient Therapy Services Department works directly with your provider and care team so that you get the rehabilitation that you need. Visit our Therapy Services page on our website for more information.

Social Worker Support

Our social workers will assist you with psychosocial needs which may include emotional issues such as anxiety or depression, family relationships, changes in lifestyle, employment/financial stressors, connections to local resources, and more. To contact a Cancer Center social worker, please call:

Kim Cooper, LSW
(740) 401-0257

Susan Bhati, LSW
(740) 423-3617

Jane Skeen, LSW
(740) 568-5632

Cancer Support Groups

You, your family, and caregivers are welcome to participate at any time during this journey—at diagnosis, during treatment, and throughout survivorship. You don’t have to go through this alone. Cancer support groups allow cancer patients, former patients, caregivers, family, or friends to talk about what it is like to live with cancer with others who may be having similar experiences. Please contact one of our social workers, listed under the Social Worker Support section of this page, for more details.

The Poole Family Resource Center

The Poole Family Resource Center is available Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the first floor of the Belpre Cancer Center at 807 Farson St., Suite A, in Belpre, OH.

Our Resource Center has books on several cancer topics as well as computers so patients can search for cancer-related topics. Wigs are offered free of charge to patients undergoing cancer treatment. These wigs are made possible by donations from our local community and the Memorial Health Foundation. We also have a limited supply of free breast prostheses and hats.

More Than a Makeover

The Belpre Cancer Center offers a class designed for our patients who would like to know how to overcome the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. This experience will be more than a makeover. You will have the opportunity to meet other patients that understand firsthand what you are going through, speak with our social worker if you have any questions or concerns, and have a professional skin and makeup consultant help you.

This class is free to cancer patients who have undergone or are undergoing treatment. Participants will receive a beauty bag full of Merle Norman cosmetic products (valued at over $200) to will keep you glowing during and after your treatments. The two-hour class will cover skin care, makeup application, wigs, and head coverings. This class will be facilitated by Sharon Shaner, owner of Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio in Marietta, Ohio. She brings 25 years of experience to this class.

To register, contact one of our social workers at (740) 401-0257 or (740) 568-5632.

Cancer Nutrition Services

Kayleigh Ticknor, our oncology dietitian, provides dietary guidance to keep you at your healthiest. Complementary nutritional services are offered to you throughout your treatment and include:

A thorough assessment of your diet and nutrition state and a unique nutritional plan developed just for you
Education on healthy eating through treatment and beyond
Monthly group nutrition classes
Educational materials specific to your nutritional needs

Kayleigh Ticknor, MS, RD, LD
(740) 376-5011