INTOUCH - Baylor Health Care System

Virginia R. Cvetko Patient Education CenterFacing cancer involves much more than advancedmedical treatments. That’s why Baylor Charles A.Sammons Cancer Center at Dallas also offers differentways to achieve emotional and spiritual healing, as wellas education and support for the patient and familymembers. Conveniently located on the 2nd floor in thenew outpatient center, the Virginia R. Cvetko PatientEducation Center offers a variety of programs to helptreat the whole patient.The Cvetko Center opened in 1981 and today servesapproximately 5,000 people each year.ServicesAmong the services offered through the Cvetko Centerare:• Community resource referrals• Pastoral care and spiritual counseling• Clinical psychology services• Social work counseling and referrals• Educational materials and resource areas• FitSteps ® , a supervised exercise program for cancerpatients with a dedicated gymProgramsCvetko Center also offers a wide range of general anddisease-specific support programs including LookGood…Feel Better ® which helps women undergoingtreatment look and feel their best, a breast cancer supportgroup; a lung cancer support group and a supportand networking group for young people facing cancer8among others. The cancer center’s health professionalsand physicians on the medical staff of Baylor UniversityMedical Center at Dallas also teach educational seminarsand classes providing research updates and helppatients learn more about dealing with their illness.In the new demonstration kitchen, cooking classes willfeature a chef and registered dieticians teaching patientsand their families how to cook nutritionally duringcancer treatment.The Healing EnvironmentThe Healing Environment is part of the Cvetko Centerthat helps patients heal through spiritual and emotionalnurturing. The Healing Environment uses music,nature, humor, art and relaxation techniques to helpmanage pain and contribute to the overall healingprocess. Music intervention is led by a certified musicpractitioner who provides therapeutic music at thebedside and in outpatient areas that may reduce anxiety,agitation and pain for the patient.A highlight of the new Baylor Sammons Cancer Centeris the Martha Foster-Skiles Healing Garden, also called“Lovie’s Garden.” This is a tranquil, specially designedgarden located just outside the Worth Street entranceallowing patients, family members and staff to relaxaway from medical treatments. It features a quiet,meandering trail and a beautiful, tiered-glass waterfallthat spills into a koi pond.Ernie’s Appearance CenterErnie’s Appearance Center is located on the secondfloor near the skybridge. This specialty boutiquecarries items designed to help the cancer patient maintaina positive self image. Certified prosthetic fitters areavailable to assist lymphedema patients with compressiongarments and breast cancer patients with breastprostheses. Other items available include:• Mastectomy supplies• High-end bras• Nutraceuticals—multivitamins and supplementsdesigned for cancer patients• Comfortable loungewear to wear duringchemotherapy treatment• Hats and scarves• Wigs• Personal care items designed for cancer patients, suchas non-metallic deodorant• Relaxation items such as aromatherapy oils andcandles, relaxation CDs and yoga and PilatesequipmentErnie’s is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday. For more information about Ernie’sAppearance Center, please visit Suite 210 or call214.820.8282.For more information about any of the programs orservices of the Virginia R. Cvetko Patient EducationCenter, visit Suite 200 or call 214.820.2608.