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Symptom Management and Palliative Medicine
Cancer doesn’t just affect your body. It also triggers mental and emotional challenges. It may cause uncomfortable symptoms and create stress for you and your family. The Symptom Management and Palliative Medicine Service at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute can help if you have concerns.
Our multidisciplinary team of palliative care experts can help you handle your fears about the future and cope with the burdens that may come with serious illness. We partner with your oncologist (cancer doctor) to support and improve your well-being during cancer treatment. We will be by your side and will walk with you through every step of your cancer journey.
What is symptom management and palliative care?
Palliative care, also called supportive care, is a special type of healthcare that focuses on improving your quality of life during cancer treatment. It can help reduce stress, relieve pain, manage other physical side effects from therapy and make daily activities easier.
Palliative care is not always the same as hospice care. Any patient — regardless of age or stage of illness — can receive palliative care. Hospice care is a specific type of palliative care for people who are no longer receiving treatment and have six months or less to live.
How can palliative care help you?
Our palliative care physicians have special training in pain management and symptom control. They are part of a multidisciplinary team of experts that includes advanced practice providers, chaplains and social workers. The team collaborates with your physician to deliver the compassionate, patient-centered care you need.
When you come to us for palliative care, we get to know you and take the time to understand your treatment goals and priorities. We help you manage your pain, physical symptoms, and your emotional and spiritual concerns. And we empower you and your family to take an active role in the plans for your medical care. As palliative care specialists, we can help you weigh the pros and cons of your treatment options and guide you through difficult medical decisions.
As your care team, we’re dedicated to helping you reach your goals during your cancer journey.
When should you start palliative care?
Your physician may recommend you start palliative care when they diagnose your condition. Research shows starting palliative care as early as possible can greatly improve your quality of life. You’ll experience fewer or less intense symptoms. You’re also less likely to end up in the hospital.
Palliative care can make it easier to care for yourself and complete your daily activities. Talk with your cancer care team about palliative care if you can’t manage or control these symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Nervousness
- Neuropathy
- Pain
- Sadness
- Shortness of breath
Our palliative care experts are here for you if you feel mental or emotional stress related to your diagnosis or treatment. We can help you determine which treatment options are best for you and guide you through complex medical decisions. And, if you need it, we can explain end-of-life care.
Request a referral
If you or a loved one need help with any symptoms linked to cancer treatment, our palliative care team is here to help. Ask your cancer care team for a referral.
For general information: 786-596-2000
For non-urgent calls: 305-270-3614
For urgent calls: 786-527-8990
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