Cancer Support Services
The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive cancer support services to our patients and their families.
Nurses
From administrating chemotherapy and caring for the assessment and management of side effects to providing psychosocial and educational support of patients, the center's specially trained nurses exemplify what patient-focused care is all about. Their concern also extends to the family members of patients who may need the comfort that education and support can provide.
Social Work
Along with treatment issues, cancer raises many other concerns. From psychological and emotional issues to financial concerns, the center provides easy access to professionals who can help iron out problems for patients and their families as they crop up. In addition, our on-site, full-time social worker provides assistance with insurance claims and applications to related programs. You may call 203-575-5511 for an appointment with the social worker. There is no charge for this service.
Financial Counseling
The health insurance landscape has undergone dramatic changes in recent years, often causing confusion and anxiety for patients. Our resident Patient Financial Counselor works with Leever Cancer Center patients to help them navigate the sometimes complex world of healthcare costs and coverage. Offering financial support services in both English and Spanish, our financial counselor works with doctors, patients and insurance companies to make sure everything is in place, and also can serve as an intermediary between the patient and the billing department, to take that burden off the patient. Patients will have the opportunity to meet the Patient Financial Counselor during their first visit to the Leever Cancer Center, and can also request to meet with her at any time that is convenient for them.
Nutrition
Patients who receive radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy can experience nutritional challenges.
Some of these include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Nausea or poor appetite
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Changes in sense of taste and smell
- Weight gain or loss
- Elevated blood sugar
Our Registered Dietitian, who is a specialist in oncology nutrition, meets regularly with patients helping them to get the best nutrition possible during and after their treatment, while maintaining their weight and health. She is also available to meet with patients to learn about healthy eating during or after treatment has been completed.
This service is available by appointment to patients and families of HLRCC affiliated physicians, and to other members of the community with a cancer diagnosis. You may call 203-575-5510 for an appointment with the dietitian.
Reflections Boutique
The Reflections Boutique is a free resource for women experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatment, offering as many as 150 wigs in different styles, shapes, and colors, along with a wide variety of hats and other head coverings. Women are invited to borrow pieces from the boutique—there are no fees to pay and no forms to fill out.
Support Groups
As a center for excellence in cancer care, The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center recognizes the value of support groups in helping patients and their families. In addition to continuously developing and facilitating a wide range of its own support groups, the center provides a meeting place for established support groups. For information on the HOPE Mutual Aid Group for patients and caregivers, contact Melissa Seres at 203-575-5511. See Calendar of Events for details and full support groups listing or visit our Support Groups page.
Local Support Activities
- HOPE Mutual Aid Group
- Woman to Woman Breast Cancer Support Group
- Brave at Heart Breast Cancer Support Group
- Cancer Caregiver Support Group
- CT Myeloma Fighters Support Group
- Thyroid Cancer Support Group
- Better Breathing Support Group
- Greater Waterbury Ostomy Support Group
- Freedom From Smoking- Smoking Cessation classes
- Energy Therapy
- Look Good, Feel Better Program
- Compassionate Friends
- Quilts that Care
- Journaling
- Art Therapy
- CancerAware educational lectures given by local and national experts
Pastoral Counseling
Call 203-575-5511 to arrange for a referral.
Stepping Forward Survivorship Program
The Stepping Forward Survivorship Program at the Leever Cancer Center is designed to address the needs of cancer survivors and provide them with an effective post-treatment plan for care, disease prevention and support. If you have completed your treatment in the past 12 months, you are eligible to get a treatment summary and survivorship care plan. Please call 203-575-5555 to schedule an appointment.
Patient Resource Library
The Patient Resource Library at The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center is an ideal place for patients and their families to receive education and support. Dedicated to helping ease the stress of coping with the disease, the room has assembled a vast amount of information about cancer, its prevention, and treatment. Trained volunteers are available to answer questions, as well as guide people to the services and information they need.
Other Support Activities at HLRCC
For support group times, lecture series, and general information, call The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center at 203-575-5511 or visit our Calendar of Events section to see a complete listing of all support activities.
Jeanne B. Tassis Lymphedema Garment Fund
The Garment Fund is designed to provide assistance for those living in the service area of the Leever Cancer Center who are truly at a financial disadvantage, and are unable to afford the cost of lymphedema compression garments. The Garment Fund is accessed through completion and submission of the Jeanne B. Tassis Lymphedema Garment Fund Application. If selected, the applicant will receive up to $200 towards the cost of their compression garments.
Click here to learn more about the Jeanne B. Tassis Lymphedema Garment Fund