CHI Memorial Joe and Virginia Schmissrauter Center for Cancer Support

CHI Memorial’s cancer rehabilitation services are available to help you prepare for treatment, manage side effects, and improve quality of life before, during and after cancer. Our specially trained exercise physiologists and physical therapists work with you to help you stay physically active and maintain your function before, during and after treatment. 

Prehabilitation: Preparing for cancer treatment
Prehabilitation begins before your cancer treatment, focusing on improving outcomes such as:

• Better lung function

• Reduced post-surgery complications

• Shortened hospital stays

• Improved physical function

• Increased tolerance for other treatments

What to expect:
A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with specialized training in cancer rehab will perform a baseline screening using standardized tests to assess your physical abilities. Physical therapy sessions are scheduled twice a week for 8–10 visits.

Rehabilitation
Cancer rehabilitation provides personalized care to address physical challenges during treatment and survivorship. It helps with:

• Reduced strength, endurance, and mobility

• Pain, fatigue, and joint stiffness

• Balance and posture changes

What to expect:
A DPT with expertise in cancer rehab will evaluate your needs and create a customized treatment plan to address physical challenges and areas of concern. Therapy frequency is tailored to your needs.

Lymphedema therapy
Lymphedema, or localized swelling due to fluid buildup, can affect some cancer survivors. Treatment focuses on reducing swelling and preventing complications.

What to expect:
A certified lymphedema therapist will provide Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)—a noninvasive treatment that includes manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, exercise, and skin care.

Our holistic approach means we provide care which supports your mind, body and spirit. Additional services include:

• Clinical trials: We offer information about clinic trials you may qualify for.

• Financial counseling: Our social workers connect patients with resources to help relieve financial concerns.

• Relaxation techniques: Breathing exercises, guided imagery and meditation techniques can help reduce stress, improve coping skills and enhance overall well-being.

• Resource library: Access brochures, books and videos on a wide range of topics, including some materials in Spanish.

• Risk counseling: Cancer risk counseling is available to help people understand better how genetic factors and family history of cancer might affect their individual risk of developing cancer.

• Spiritual care: Our chaplains are here to offer counseling, prayer and support through your journey. Whether you need a brief prayer or deeper faith discussions, we’re here to provide comfort and respect.

For more information about these services we offer, call (423) 495-7778.

Yes! CHI Memorial's Be a Quitter program is designed to help you overcome tobacco addiction and take a big step toward better health. Quitting smoking is one of the most powerful ways to reduce your risk of many types of cancer.

We offer both virtual and in-person sessions to fit your needs. For more information, call us at (423) 495-7778.

Our support groups are here to provide strength, connection and understanding. Open to patients and caregivers, these groups offer a safe space to share your journey, learn practical tips and connect with others who truly understand.

Support groups:

• Art Therapy Support Group
  For individuals with a cancer diagnosis wanting to explore art as a coping tool.
  In-person: 2nd and 4th Thursday, 12:30–2 p.m.

• Breast Cancer Support Group
  For women in active treatment for breast cancer.
  In-person and Zoom: 1st and 3rd Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
  Contact Isabel Bolanos, LCSW: (423) 495-7868.

• Coping with Cancer Support Group

  For individuals with any cancer type and anywhere in their cancer experience.
  In-person and Zoom: 1st Thursday, 1–2 p.m.
  Contact Briana Cobb, LMSW: (423) 495-7703.

• Spanish-Speaking Cancer Support Group

  This support group, conducted entirely in Spanish, is open to Spanish-speaking patients and caregivers.
  Phone or Zoom: 2nd and 4th Tuesday.
  Contact Isabel Bolanos, LCSW, our bilingual clinical social worker: (423) 495-7868, Isabel.Bolanos@commonspirit.org.

* Grupo de Apoyo Para Cáncer: Ven y participa por teléfono o virtualmente por Zoom el segundo y cuarto martes de cada mes. Llama o envía un correo electrónico a Isabel Bolaños para más información (423) 495-7868 o Isabel.Bolanos@commonspirit.org.

• Gynecological Cancer Support Group
  For women in active treatment for gynecological cancer.
  Zoom: 1st and 3rd Monday, 10–11 a.m.
  Contact Isabel Bolanos, LCSW: (423) 495-7868.

• Prostate Cancer Support Group
  For men with prostate cancer seeking support and education.
  In-person and Zoom: 2nd Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
  Contact Jennifer Huisman, BSN, RN, OCN: (423) 495-2519. 

Need more information?

Call us at (423) 495-7778 to learn more and find the right group for you. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Comprehensive genetic evaluation and counseling may be appropriate if your personal or family history suggests a higher inherited risk. Hereditary cancer is caused by a gene mutation that can be passed down through families, increasing the likelihood of certain cancers.

Who should consider genetic counseling?
Our specially trained team uses your medical and family history to determine hereditary cancer risks and whether genetic testing is appropriate. Genetic counseling is recommended if you or your family have a history of:

• Cancer diagnosed at an unusually young age (before age 50)

• Multiple relatives on the same side with the same or related cancers

• Two or more distinct cancers in one individual

• Rare cancers, such as male breast cancer

• Ten or more precancerous colon polyps

• A known genetic mutation associated with cancer risk

Benefits of genetic counseling
Our genetic counselors provide personalized evaluations to help you understand your cancer risk, guide you and your doctors in making informed decisions about screenings and risk reduction, and inform family members about their potential risk and the need for evaluation.

Confidential, personalized care
Our cancer risk counseling team offers complete evaluations in a confidential, supportive setting. During your appointment, we’ll address concerns about genetic discrimination and review laws protecting your genetic information. If genetic testing is recommended, we’ll provide cost estimates before proceeding.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (423) 495-4363.

CHI Memorial Cancer Connect is a 24/7 hotline, a trusted resource for guidance and support during your cancer journey. It connects callers to resources, support groups for specific types of cancer, including a Spanish-speaking group, and grief support groups to assist those who lose a loved one to cancer. Whether you need information, support or someone to guide you through the complexities of cancer care, we’re here to make it easier for you.

Why call CHI Memorial Cancer Connect?

• Questions about insurance or appointments

• Scheduling a cancer screening

• Understanding test results

• Seeking a second opinion or specialist

• Navigating treatment options

• Managing side effects

• Addressing mental, emotional or financial concerns

When you have questions, you need answers. Our caring professionals are available and ready to guide you. Call (423) 495-2222 today—24/7 access to the care and guidance you deserve.