
Cancer Care Navigation. Navigation is a relatively new approach in helping people cope with the complex cancer care/healthcare system. By offering our patients and their family members navigation services, Touro is committed to providing quality care throughout the cancer experience. Our cancer care navigator is available to help you with a wide range of needs as you go through your cancer experience. Call Lori Dean, RN at (504) 897-7014 to schedule an appointment.
New Patient Orientation. If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer, you might want to consider receiving a new patient orientation. This service is offered through the Touro Supportive Cancer Care Center as a way of helping you become more informed about cancer, assess your individual needs, and learn ways to cope during cancer treatment. To schedule an orientation session, contact Lori Dean, RN at (504) 897-7014.
Individual Counseling. A licensed professional counselor (LPC) is available to provide you with individualized support as you attempt to adjust to life following a cancer diagnosis. Counseling is typically conducted in one hour sessions on a weekly basis. Contact Robert Gardner, Ph.D. at (504) 897-8209 or robert.gardner@touro.com to schedule an appointment.
Couples or Family Counseling. Cancer can affect not only you but also your spouse/partner and your family. A trained, licensed professional counselor offers one hour sessions to help couples and families learn to address issues commonly associated with cancer. Contact Robert Gardner, Ph.D. at (504) 897-8209 or robert.gardner@touro.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Support Groups. Group support is one way for you to share your thoughts and feelings while learning from others. Many of our patients who participate in one our support groups develop a sense that “they are not alone … other people are going through the same experience.” Contact the Touro Supportive Cancer Care Center at (504) 897-8678 for a list of support groups.
Nutritional Consultation. Two registered dietitians are on staff at Touro to help you with your nutritional needs during cancer treatment and beyond. They are available to meet with you for a nutritional consultation helping you learn what foods to eat, what not to eat, and how to adjust your diet to best suit your nutritional needs during cancer treatment. Contact Liz Cabrera, RD at (504) 897-8695 or Caroline Burke-Cerise at (504) 897-8068, RD to schedule a nutritional assessment.
Spiritual Guidance. Many people rely on their spiritual faith to help them cope with cancer. If you would like spiritual guidance or prayer, Touro offers pastoral care services for all religious or faith-base beliefs. We have a Catholic priest and a chaplain who are available to assist you with your spiritual needs. Contact Father Doug Brougher, Catholic Chaplain, at (504) 897-8068 or Reverend Jane Mauldin, Chaplain, at (504) 897-7262 to schedule an appointment.
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Caregiver and Family Support. Caring for a person diagnosed with cancer is difficult. The Caring for the Caregiver program offers information, resources and support to family members and close friends who are providing care to a loved one with cancer. For more information on the Caring for the Caregiver program, call Robert Gardner, Ph.D. at (504) 897-8209.
Smoking Cessation. If you are currently smoking and want to quit or have stopped but continue to struggle, Touro Infirmary offers I Can Quit—a free program for those who are serious about quitting smoking forever. Space is limited and participants must commit to attending all 4 weekly meetings. For more information or to register for this smoking cessation program, contact Robert Gardner, Ph.D. at (504) 897-8209.
Cancer Survivorship. Living with cancer following treatment often involves physical, psychological, and lifestyle changes. The Living a Better Life … after cancer treatment program helps prepare former patients for life following treatment through an orientation session, reading materials, support group, and a 4-week workshop series on cancer survivorship. To learn more about the Living a Better Life … after cancer treatment program, contact Robert Gardner, Ph.D. at (504) 897-8209.
Relaxation and Stress Management. The Therapeutic Wellness program promotes relaxation and stress management through gentle yoga and meditation practices. Designed to compliment traditional medical care, this program focuses on developing strength, stamina and a sense of well-being both during and after cancer treatment. For more information about Therapeutic Wellness, contact Tamarin Hennebury, LOTR, Certified Yoga Instructor, through the Touro Occupational Therapy Department at (504) 897-8642.
Support for Children of Parents with Cancer. When a parent gets cancer, the entire family is impacted. Young children are especially affected when their parent is sick. The Kids Konnected at Touro program was created to help families learn to cope with cancer together. This program provides helpful information and resources and support groups for both children and parents. For more information on the Kids Konnected at Touro program, please contact Robert Gardner, Ph.D. at (504) 897-8209.
Guided Imagery during Chemotherapy. Guided imagery is a visualization technique which helps cancer patients focus on positive images. This approach is commonly used to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and help the mind influence the body to promote healing and recovery. The Self-Help through Guided Imagery program is available to chemotherapy patients while they are receiving treatment. To learn more about this program, talk with your chemotherapy nurse or contact the Touro Supportive Cancer Care Center at (504) 897-8678.
Creative Art. Recognizing how tedious it is to undergo chemotherapy, creative art gives patients something enjoyable to do while receiving treatment. The Art in a Bag program at Touro incorporates simple art projects that help you pass the time by keeping your hands busy while tapping into your creative spirit. For more information about this program, talk with your chemotherapy nurse or contact the Touro Supportive Cancer Care Center at (504) 897-8678.
Touro Supportive Cancer Care Center Team
ROBERT B. GARDNER, Ph.D.
Director, Psychosocial Oncology
1401 Foucher St, New Orleans, LA 70115
phone: (504) 897-8209
fax: (504) 897-7846
email: robert.gardner@touro.com
Education
M.Ed., University of New Orleans, LA 2005
Ph.D., University of New Orleans, LA 2008
Internship
Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 2004-2005
Other
Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Tulane Cancer Center, 2006-2008
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), State of Louisiana
Hometown
Memphis, TN
>> “My role is to help those affected by cancer become better prepared to deal with the psychological, emotional, and interpersonal impact of their disease.”
LORI DEAN, RN, OCN
Cancer Care Navigator
1401 Foucher Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
phone: (504) 897-7014
fax: (504) 897-7846
email: lori.dean@touro.com
Education
R.N., Charity School of Nursing, New Orleans, LA, 2002
Experience
15 years of health care experience in diagnostic radiology as an x-ray tech and medical oncology including radiation oncology as a registered nurse.
Other
Oncology Certified Nurse, 2011
>> "My goal as nurse navigator is to help patients utilize resources and services available to them and to act as a personal liasion to enhance the quality and continuity of their care."
LIZ CABRERA, RD, CNSP
Lead Clinical Dietitian
1401 Foucher Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
phone: (504) 897-8695
pager: (504) 668-3753
email: cabreral@touro.com
Education
B.S., Nutrition, Dominican College, New Orleans, LA; LSU, Baton Rouge, LA, 1983
Internship
Touro Infirmary, 1988-1989
>> "I enjoy assisting cancer patients undergoing treatment improve their quality of life through good nutrition."
CAROLINE BURKE-CERISE, MS, LDN, RD, CNSP
Clinical Nutritionist
1401 Foucher Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
phone: (504) 897-8068
pager: (504) 560-5146
email: burkec@touro.com
Education
B.S., Dietetics, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA, 2003
M.S., Nutrition, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA, 2005
Internship
University of Houston Dietetic Internship Program, 2005-2006
FR. DOUGLAS C. BROUGHER, STL, BCC
Director of Pastoral Care and Community Relations
1401 Foucher Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
phone: (504) 897-8177
pager: (504) 560-9923
email: doug.brougher@touro.com
Education
B.A., Philosophy, Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans, LA, 1959
S.T.L. (Graduate Theological Degree), Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome 1963
Hometown
New Orleans, LA
>> "I continue to be inspired and edified by our cancer patients."
REV. DR. JANE E. MAULDIN
Chaplain
1401 Foucher Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
phone: (504) 897-7262
fax: (504) 897-8731
email: jane.mauldin@touro.com
Education
B.A. Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa
M.A., University of Chicago Divinity School, Chicago, IL
D.Min., Meadville/Lombard Theological School, Chicago, IL
Clinical Pastoral Education Internship: Univ. of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics
Clinical Pastoral Education Residency: East Jefferson Medical Center, Metairie, LA