Oncology Social Workers
Betsy has written, most poignantly, of the emotional duress of having faced the diagnosis of a malignant disease and her subsequent therapy.
Again, I encourage lymphoma patients to seek out Oncology Social Workers (OSWs) who work primarily in the hospital setting, but may, as well, work in physicians' offices.
OSWs, clearly experienced in the emotional stress of patients, are expert in counseling the distressed patient. Their support braces the patient as he or she moves through the treatment phase and subsequent testing.
Further, the OSWs are skilled in providing more "concrete" advice relating to such important factors as transportation and, even, dealing with the expense of medication.
More oncologists should have OSWs in their private offices.
Mort