Cancer Support Therapy at DCI: Empowering & Inclusive

Bryan Roth
September 30, 2021
By: Bryan Roth, Senior Comms Specialist, Duke Health Marketing & Communications
Helping Hands Duke Colors

Cancer support therapy empowers Duke patients and their loved ones at no charge. Individual or group sessions are part of a collection of services for cancer patients provided through the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program.

Nikki McLean
In her first meeting with DCI medical family therapist Patrick Plumeri, Nikki McLean wore a favorite T-shirt that signals both her pride as an identifying lesbian and her support for the LGBTQ+ community. (photo by Erin Hull)

Nikki McLean said a 2018 diagnosis of colon cancer at age 35 “came out of nowhere” and left her uncertain about her future. While a team of Duke Health medical experts treated her body, she also received emotional support through the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program. This service helps Duke patients undergoing cancer treatment and their loved ones at no charge.

McLean, a Raleigh resident and now 38, had surgery in March 2018 and began chemotherapy. She felt better and in the fall started seeing a medical family therapist to gain emotional support. Her sessions are part of a larger collection of cancer support services at Duke that includes individual and group therapy sessions, self-image consultations to help patients look and feel their best, and guidance from rehab experts so patients can move more easily.

CONTINUE READING ON THE DUKE HEALTH BLOG

Topics
Duke Cancer Patient Support Program, LGBTQ+, medical family therapist, Patrick Plumeri

LGBTQ+ Health Services and Resources

Duke Health is nationally recognized for providing health care services and resources to all patients regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. LEARN MORE

Medical Family Therapy

Medical family therapy is a collaborative approach in which therapists work in partnership with the medical team, the patient and the family. While physicians attend to the biological treatment of illness, medical family therapists work with individuals, couples and families to address the psychological, emotional, and social/relational difficulties that often accompany the diagnosis and course of illness.

For additional information or to book an appointment at our Durham and Wake County locations, call 919.684.4497 or email cancersupport@duke.edu.

More Emotional Support Resources

LEARN ABOUT the full range of psychological as well as spiritual support services (including support groups) available to patients and their loved ones through the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program.