Who is the Thrive Clinic?
There are more than 16 million individuals affected by cancer in the United States and more than 30,000 expected cases in Kentucky annually. Each individual’s cancer diagnosis is unique and will include different treatments and different timelines. Some treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Some patients have Stage IV cancer and will require lifelong treatment. Anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer can benefit from the Thrive Clinic!
The Thrive Clinic follows 4 pillars of care:
- Education
- Resources
- Hope
- Empowerment
How Can the Thrive Clinic Help Me?
The Thrive Clinic focuses on educating patients on their cancer diagnosis and treatment plan. The Thrive Clinic also helps patients with management of short and long-term side effects of cancer treatment. There is a focus on restoring function, improving quality of life and prevention of additional cancer-related side effects or recurrence. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the team helps to manage:
- Physical dysfunction
- Mental health
- Sexual dysfunction
- Tobacco cessation
- Healthy diet and exercise
- Cancer surveillance
- Cancer screening
- Side effect management
The Thrive Clinic Team
The Thrive Clinic uses a multidisciplinary approach. As part of your visit, you may interact with the following members of the Thrive Clinic care team:
- Dedicated oncology-certified nurse navigator
- Physical Medicine and Rehab physician that specializes in working with oncology patients
- Dietitians
- Social Workers
- Sexual Health Therapists
Megan B. Nelson, M.D.
Director of SOAR On Loyd Family Wellness Program
Medical Director, Cancer Rehabilitation
DeAnna Werle, RN, BSN, OCN
Oncology Survivorship Nurse Navigator
What to Expect at your Appointment
Your medical oncologist can refer you to the Thrive Clinic or you can ask for a self-referral.
At your visit, you will meet with an oncology nurse navigator as well as a cancer rehabilitation physician, dietitian and social worker. Together, you will discuss your cancer care and what to expect in the future. You will be provided with a treatment summary that outlines all of your cancer care, including future care.
Patient Testimonial
“This team gives you follow-up reassurance to make sure you’re focusing in the right direction. It gives you security to know you’re following everything you need for your medical and physical care. This program offers many options that you need to take care of yourself. Everyone deals with cancer in a different manner. In a dark hour such as a cancer diagnosis, it’s nice to know you have encountered a family at UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center.” – Jeffrey Gardner, cancer survivor and Thrive Clinic patient
