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About the Bennett Cancer Center
The Bennett Cancer Center at Stamford Hospital is made up of three distinct
areas that come together to form the Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center.
Hematology Oncology, PC, as you have read, is the medical oncology practice
within the center.
The Bennett Cancer Center also houses Radiation Oncology as well as many support
services for the individual receiving cancer care at Stamford Hospital.
The Bennett Cancer Center and Stamford Hospital’s Cancer Program are approved by
the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer as a Teaching Hospital
Cancer Program, the only hospital in lower Fairfield County with this
designation for its cancer program. This evaluation is voluntary and was
conducted through an on-site survey process by experienced health care
professionals who gathered extensive performance information as the basis of
evaluating compliance. By undertaking this evaluation, facilities demonstrate
their commitment to quality care, ongoing commitment and public accountability
for the care and services they provide.
The ongoing development of the Bennett Cancer Center Program is under the
leadership of:
- Robert Erichson, M.D. Medical Director
- Frank Masino, M.D. Chairman, Cancer Committee
- Liz Manfredo, MS, RD Administrator, Cancer Services
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Liz Manfredo |
Radiation Oncology
Radiation Oncology care is provided on the ground floor of the Bennett Cancer
Center. The Radiation Oncology department is equipped with state of the art
simulation and linear accelerator machines, including dynamic multileaf
collimation for the delivery of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
Conventional and three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy treatments are
also administered as appropriate. Radioactive seed implantation is available for
the treatment for prostate cancer.
Patients are cared for by a team of professionals including radiation
oncologists, radiation therapists, a medical dosimetrist, and physicists. The
radiation oncology physicians are Frank Masino, M.D. and Sean Dowling,
M.D. Dr. Masino graduated from the Albert Einstein School of Medicine and
did his radiation oncology training at Yale New Haven Hospital. He has practiced
at Stamford Hospital since 1982. Dr. Dowling graduated from Yale University
School of Medicine and also trained in radiation oncology at Yale New Haven
Hospital. He came to Stamford Hospital in 1992.
Patients in the Radiation Oncology department benefit from an approach that
combines a high level of technical expertise with care that is tailored to
individual needs at each step, from the initial consultation through the
treatment planning process to treatment
delivery in a caring and supportive setting. For additional information or to
schedule an appointment, please call (203) 276-7886.
Support Services
Michelle Palazzo is the Patient Services Coordinator at the Bennett
Cancer Center. She is here to assist you in many different ways. If you have a
question regarding any non-medical aspect of your care, Michelle is available to
speak with you. She may not always have the answer to your question immediately,
but she will research an answer and get back to you as quickly as possible.
Some of the areas Michelle can assist you with are:
- Transportation to and from treatment: The Bennett Cancer Center has an
agreement with the Stamford Chapter of the American Red Cross to provide
transportation for patients to and from the Center for cancer treatment.
- Information on support groups, nutrition consultations, counseling, the
Integrative Medicine Program and other supportive services available in the
center or in the community.
- Financial resources for non-medical needs.
- Resources for wigs, medical equipment, etc.
You can reach Michelle Palazzo at (203) 276-6143.
Counseling, Support Groups and Integrative Medicine
Fran Becker, LCSW is the Supervisor of Oncology Support Services at the
Bennett Cancer Center. She is available to meet with our patients and their
family members individually or together to offer whatever support is needed
during and after your treatment. Fran works with our patients to help them learn
stress management and other health behavior, or “mind-body” techniques that can
help improve overall health and outlook, increase energy, reduce the harmful
aspects of stress, cope better emotionally and function better at home and work.
With her extensive expertise in this area, Fran can give you the tools to help
you strengthen your mind and body when dealing with cancer.
Recognizing that different people have different needs, Fran is available to
work with patients and families in a number of different ways:
- Individual sessions
- Family sessions
- Support Groups
- Meditation Group
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Fran Becker |
Fran Becker is in the office Mondays and Tuesdays, and Thursday and Friday
mornings. You can reach Fran by calling (203) 276-7841.
Integrative Medicine Program
The Integrative Medicine Program offers you the opportunity to experience a
range of different complementary therapies in combination with your traditional
cancer treatment plan. This philosophy combines traditional scientific medicine,
psychology, nursing, nutrition, exercise physiology and belief to enhance the
natural healing capacities of the body and mind. Techniques include meditation,
visualization, massage, Reiki, reflexology, yoga, tai chi, art therapy and
music therapy.
By taking advantage of our support services and complementary therapy offerings
you can learn techniques to:
- Reduce stress to help decrease the harmful effects of stress hormones on
your immune system.
- Help decrease your anxiety and feel more informed and supported.
- Strengthen your ability to cope with the cancer experience.
- Strengthen family support and understanding.
Participating in these programs and services can often help to decrease
chemotherapy related fatigue and nausea; reduce the need for pain medication as
well as decrease fatigue, regain energy, stamina and improve sleep.
For more information, or to make an appointment, call Michelle Palazzo at
(203)276-6143.
| Reflexology with Debbie:
Reflexology has been shown to create physical changes that can bring
about balance. It promotes the body's ability to adjust and balance
during time of stress.
Your first session will begin with a brief introduction to
reflexology and how your practitioner works. You will then lie on a
table or sit in a reclining chair, and your reflexologist will begin to
apply thumb or finger pressure to each of your feet, stimulating reflex
points. Pressure points on the hands can also be used.
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| Reflexology is widely used in Europe. One Danish study
showed that of the people who tried reflexology as a complementary
therapy, 73% reported a gain in energy, improved mood and sleep. Many
people say that reflexology brings them a deep sense of peace when the
session is completed.
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Nutrition
Nutrition seminars as well as individualized nutrition counseling sessions are
available for patients in treatment. Individualized nutrition counseling is
provided by Lisa Shepard, RD.
To make an appointment, please call Lisa directly at (203) 276-2004.
Post Therapy Exercise and Nutrition ProgramA specialized exercise and nutrition program is in place to help our patients
regain their strength and stamina after treatment has been completed. Contact
Deanna Xistris at (203) 325-2695 for additional information or a referral
for the program.
Stamford Health Foundation funds these programs, specifically with funds raised
annually through the Bennett Cancer Center WALK, RUN and RIDE. The generosity of
the community in support of these events makes it possible to provide these
programs and services at no charge to our patients. |
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Expression Through Art
Karen Wakeley, MPS, ATR-BC is the coordinator of the Expression through
Art Program at the Bennett Cancer Center. The program offers painting, crafts
and art therapy for cancer patients in both the in- and outpatient settings.
Watercolor painting, crafts, and art therapy are offered at scheduled group
times, as are open painting sessions. The newest addition to the program is
Sandplay Therapy, available by
appointment. |
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Art group participation is free, and open to patients of the Center as well as
family members and friends. A special art therapy group is held weekly for
children and grandchildren of our patients to help them in coping with the
cancer experience in a therapeutic and fun way.
The Lauren Fund, an endowment created by Charles and Nancy Leslie in memory of
their daughter Lauren, supports the Expression Through Art Program. Through
continuing support from numerous individual and corporate donations, the fund
honors Lauren’s memory by supporting the growth and future development of the
program.
A schedule of program times is available at the front desk or by stopping by the
art room. Karen is in on Mondays, Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays. She can be
reached by calling (203) 276-5961. |
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The Stamford Hospital Tumor Registry
Stamford Hospital, like all other hospitals in the state of Connecticut, are
required by state regulation to report all cases of cancers diagnosed at our
facility to the Connecticut Tumor Registry (CTR). The information that the CTR
collects is used to:
- Monitor cancer incidence and trends
- Identify priorities and target prevention and control activities in
Connecticut
- Educate the public and health professionals about specific cancer risk,
trends and treatments
- Aid research studies
The Stamford Hospital Tumor Registry is also required to maintain follow-up on
all patients diagnosed at our facility. At some time in the future, you may
receive a letter from the Tumor Registry office asking for information about
your health. Please respond to this request. This follow up is so very important
to the goals of the Center.
All information is kept strictly confidential.
If you have questions about the Tumor Registry, call Deanna Derdelinghen, CTR
at (203) 276-7456.
Support groups, educational workshops and special events are ongoing at the
Center.
With each visit please check the registration desk for current offerings.
To receive our quarterly newsletter, as well as additional program information,
please complete the “Intouch” mailing form and leave it at the front desk. With
this request, your name will be added to our confidential mailing list.
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Volunteers An active team of volunteers contributes services ranging from greeting
patients to escorting them to tests and procedures to serving snacks. Our
mission is to improve the quality of life for each patient...
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