Supportive Oncology in the Northwest Suburbs

Supportive Oncology in the Northwest Suburbs

Supportive Oncology in the Northwest Suburbs

Northwestern Medicine partners with the American Cancer Society to provide support services, education and more to individuals living with cancer in and around McHenry County. This dedicated partnership includes:

  • Look Good Feel Better, a free program for women in active cancer treatment in which cosmetologists teach women in active cancer treatment techniques to help combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. By appointment only. To register, call 815.344.8000.
  • Wig Boutique, a free service that provides individualized solutions for hair loss from cancer treatment. To schedule an appointment, call 800.227.2345.
  • Patient navigation services
  • Road to Recovery, a program to get rides to cancer treatment appointments
  • Reach to Recovery, a program to help people cope with their breast cancer experience
  • Gas cards and hotel stays

Nutrition Services

Your diet is an important part of your treatment for cancer. Eating the right foods before, during and after your treatment can help you feel better and stay strong. A certified specialist in oncology nutrition is your best source of information about your diet.

When you are healthy, eating enough food to get the nutrients you need is usually not a problem. During cancer treatment, however, this can become a challenge, especially if you have side effects or simply don’t feel well. Recommendations about eating during cancer treatment can be very different from the usual suggestions for healthful eating because of the body’s inability to tolerate certain foods and nutrients. Nutrition recommendations are designed to help build your strength, utilize nutrients and help you withstand the effects of your cancer and its treatment.

Eating well while undergoing cancer treatment may help you to:

  • Keep up your strength and energy
  • Maintain your weight and your body’s store of nutrients
  • Tolerate treatment-related side effects
  • Decrease your risk of infection
  • Heal and recover quickly

Physical Therapy and Lymphedema Prevention

Lymphedema is a potential side effect of cancer surgery or radiation where lymph fluid does not drain properly and can build up in the fatty tissues under your skin and cause swelling. Lymphedema specialists offer physical therapy and customized treatment for the prevention and treatment of lymphedema. For more information, talk to your oncology nurse navigator.

Psychological Support

Everyone experiences cancer differently, and some people may find the increased stress and anxiety difficult to handle. In addition to the many cancer support groups available, an oncology licensed counselor offers counseling to cancer patients and their loved ones and caregivers to address the emotional stress of living with cancer. For information, call 815.759.4459.

Spiritual Care

An oncology chaplain provides assistance to patients and their support systems throughout the cancer experience. The oncology chaplain uses spiritual, therapeutic and expressive arts to promote holistic wellness in cancer management. Support is available for:

  • Individual and family counseling
  • Survivorship counseling
  • Advance directives planning
  • Grief counseling

Complementary Therapy

Complementary therapies can relieve side effects and improve your quality of life while going through cancer treatment. A variety of options from music therapy and acupuncture to psychological support and yoga are available. For additional information, talk to your oncology nurse navigator or call 815.356.6149.


Additional Support

Locations & Contact Information
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