Many of our patients have told us, “The cure should not be
worse than the disease.” Therefore, Symptom Management is an important part of cancer treatment. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, nausea and
vomiting, pain, mouth sores, anxiety, sleeplessness and fatigue. These symptoms
may be secondary to the cancer treatment or even from the cancer itself.
Patients should be very honest with doctors and nurses about how treatments are affecting them and their quality of life. They should be an active
partner in their treatment and help their care team to decide what will
work best.
Integrative Medicine
Integrative Medicine uses the mind-body-spirit connection to assist in healing and symptom management. These therapies have been used successfully by cancer patients, along with traditional medical treatments, for managing symptoms of the disease. Some patients have found relief from nausea, pain, anxiety, and an improvement in their quality of life while using these therapies along with standard medical treatment. These treatments should not be used in place of treatment recommended by your doctor.
For more information regarding integrative medicine in Northwest Ohio, contact the Mercy Cancer Center's Integrative Medicine Department at 419-407-1168.
The following therapies are available to all patients receiving inpatient or outpatient cancer services at the hospitals listed.
- Massage - A soft tissue manipulation that improves nutrition and circulation to the tissues while promoting a sense of well-being. Massage may be helpful in managing the symptoms of nausea, anxiety, pain, shortness of breath and sleeplessness. All of our massage therapists employed by Mercy Cancer Centers are licensed under the State of Ohio Medical Board and have received a certificate in advanced study of "Massage for People Living with Cancer."
Mercy St. Charles Hospital
Available free to patients receiving outpatient radiation
and chemotherapy
419-696-7281 |
Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center
Available free to all cancer patients admitted to MSVMC
419-251-6352 |
Mercy Tiffin Hosptial
Complimentary Health Services
By appointment:
419-448-3108 |
Mercy Willard Hospital
Mercy Rehabilitation and Wellness Center
By appointment:
419-964-5700 |
*Mercy St. Anne Hospital
3404 W. Sylvania Ave.
Toledo, OH 43623
419-407-1168
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- Guided Visualization/Relaxation -
Directed visualization that harnesses the power of the mind to help heal and alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, sleeplessness and anxiety. The mind can be a very powerful ally in the fight against cancer and Guided Imagery taps into this untapped potential. This can also be used specifically with chemotherapy, radiation and to prepare for surgery. CD's are available for you to take home and use throughout your cancer treatment experience and group classes are offered to help you use this very powerful tool while you are undergoing your treatment and beyond.
Mercy St. Charles Hospital
Available free to patients receiving outpatient radiation
and chemotherapy
419-696-7281 | Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center
Available free to all cancer patients admitted to MSVMC
419-251-6352 |
*Mercy St. Anne Hospital
3404 W. Sylvania Ave.
Toledo, OH 43623
419-407-1168 |
See Integrative Medicine Outpatient Services for more listings.
Lymphedema Treatment
Lymphedema is a swelling in a part of the body (arm, leg or
trunk) caused by an accumulation of fluid in the tissues. Lymphedema can occur
following surgical intervention (i.e. node dissection, lumpectomy, mastectomy)
or radiation therapy. This condition sometimes occurs following breast cancer
treatment. Presently, there is no cure for lymphedema, but it can be controlled
through manual lymph drainage, exercise, or compression
bandaging or garment use.
Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center
Hand, Upper Extremity and
Lymphedema Clinic
(419) 251-4516 |
Other Information Resources
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American Cancer Society offer:
*The Mercy Cancer Center at St. Anne is a department of Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center.
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