Immunotherapy and Cell Transplant Therapy: Resources for Patients and Families

Susan Hedlund, director of Patient and Family Services at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute.
Susan Hedlund, director of Patient and Family Services, has decades of experience providing care and support for cancer patients. She supervises OHSU’s adult cancer social workers.

We know bone marrow and stem cell transplants can be challenging physically, emotionally and financially. When you come to the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, you and your family will find the support and resources you need at every step.

On this page, you’ll find:

  • OHSU patient guides
  • OHSU support services
  • Links to more information

OHSU patient guides

Booklet

A thumbnail size preview image of the cover of OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute's Immunotherapy and Cell Transplant Therapy Patient Guide.

Interactive slideshows

Cancer education and support groups

Resources include webinars to help patients live their best life after a bone marrow/stem cell transplant.

OHSU support services

Cancer social workers

Our cancer social workers can help you and your family manage a wide range of issues. Often, we connect patients with a social worker at the first appointment. Social workers remain available after your transplant and after you transition to follow-up care.

Social workers can help you with things such as:

  • Lodging and transportation
  • Connecting with financial counselors
  • Finding community resources and support
  • Getting referrals to mental health services
  • Better communicating with your care team

Fertility

OHSU fertility experts offer you options and services to preserve your ability to have children.

Insurance and financial concerns

OHSU offers help navigating the insurance and financial questions that come with transplants. You can also ask your care team about OHSU’s Medications Assistance Program.

Life after treatment

Our Bone Marrow Transplant Survivorship Program can work with you and your primary care doctor to manage any side effects or other long-term health concerns.

Nutrition services

OHSU dietitians with cancer expertise can create a nutrition plan for your specific needs. Patients with proper nutrition have better outcomes.

OHSU cancer dietitians Amanda Bryant (left) and Katherine Bagwell make tofu tacos in a cooking class
OHSU cancer dietitians Amanda Bryant (left) and Katherine Bagwell make tofu tacos in a cooking class. They provide nutrition support and education to OHSU cancer patients.

Palliative care

Specialists in palliative care are available to patients and families at any stage of serious illness. They can help with issues such as:

  • Managing pain
  • Coping
  • Mental health
  • Emotional or spiritual issues
  • Making difficult decisions
Jeff Myers, a palliative physician assistant at OHSU.
Jeff Myers, a palliative physician assistant, is part of our team of palliative care specialists.

Support for young adults

Our Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program offers support and services specifically for patients diagnosed with cancer between ages 15 and 39. It’s the only program of its kind in Oregon.

Support groups and classes

Find a variety of opportunities to connect with other patients or to practice yoga or mindfulness.

Additional services

Find additional resources for cancer patients and families, including:

  • The Rood Family Pavilion guest house for patients and families who live outside the Portland metro area (space permitting)
  • The area’s only program to support the sexual health of women affected by cancer
  • Rehabilitation services
Susan Hedlund, director of OHSU's patient and family services at the Knight Cancer Institute, focuses on doing what she can "to soften the rough edges of these experiences."

More information

Organizations

Transplantation

Immunotherapy and CAR T-cell therapy

For caregivers

Insurance and finances

Help with medication costs

Support

Other topics and resources

For patients

Call 503-494-7999 to:

  • Request an appointment
  • Seek a second opinion
  • Ask questions

Location

Knight Cancer Institute, South Waterfront

Center for Health & Healing, Building 2
3485 S. Bond Ave.
Portland, OR 97239

Free parking for patients and visitors

Refer a patient

Kids and teens

The logo for OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital.

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