Rein in Sarcoma is dedicated to supporting sarcoma patients, survivors, and those who have lost a loved one to sarcoma. Navigating a sarcoma cancer journey requires a collaborative effort from family, friends, healthcare providers, Rein in Sarcoma, and many more, all working together to provide the emotional, practical, and medical support to the patient.
Staff at the Orthopedic Oncology Clinic at the M Health Fairview Clinics and Surgery Center – Minneapolis share how Rein in Sarcoma resources support their work with sarcoma patients. The following is authored by Beth Kellner, LPN Coordinator, with support of her great team members.
Our newly diagnosed patients appear to be very grateful to get any support and information about their new diagnosis. The Rein in Sarcoma Patient Guidebook has proven to be invaluable for them. Here is what one of the Physician’s Assistants, Jennifer Flaherty, had to say about the RIS Handbook:
“The RIS Guidebook is a fantastic resource for newly diagnosed Sarcoma patients. The universal comment I hear during initial visits with patients is that they and their family members have been “Googling,” and it usually takes them down a rabbit hole of potential misinformation or frightening scenarios. The RIS guidebook steers the patient toward trusted resources, reliable information and uplifting organizations that can help them navigate this new diagnosis. That can be very reassuring for someone who has no knowledge of what sarcoma is and what it means for them going forward, and most importantly, that they are not alone in this journey.”
Receiving a diagnosis is so overwhelming, so we send the guidebook a few days later, which provides a sense of grounding, a reminder they are not alone. There are people who have made this journey already, and there is wisdom and support available for many of the issues they are struggling with, and even some for issues they have not thought about yet.
The guidebook is just one of the many resources RIS provides. There is so much that RIS does to raise sarcoma awareness and support the community. In my opinion, the most beautiful thing RIS does is provide a sense of community. When struggling with a serious illness it is easy to become overwhelmed and isolated. RIS provides very personal and compassionate care to the community they serve. They share the inspirational stories of the people they know and they give the opportunity for those who have benefited to give back.
Rein in Sarcoma could not do what we do without the support of dedicated medical professional. We are truly grateful for all of those that provide care and support to sarcoma patients daily. To receive guidebooks for your patients or yourself or learn about RIS resources, visit reininsarcoma.org or email admin@reininsarcoma.org