What cancer patients should know in the time of Coronavirus

Coronavirus has created an even more difficult path for patients navigating their way through cancer. Social distancing guidelines have forced the suspension of several programs, but the American Cancer Society has put forth new supplemental programs to ease the burden.

"Being a cancer patient right now is like fighting a war on two fronts," American Cancer Society volunteer and Community Outreach and Cancer Support Services Director at Eisenhower Health's Luci Curci Cancer Center, Alison Mayer Sachs said.

Sachs said facing both battles can cause patients heightened stress and anxiety.

"With COVID, cancer patients are at higher risk. The treatments we give often will cause immunosuppression," Sachs said.

Sachs said there is also a new opportunity for patients to video chat with the American Cancer Society, so people who are feeling isolated have someone to speak with.

The American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery program normally matches breast cancer patients up with volunteers with similar age, location and experience. The pair will often meet to discuss challenges and other questions cancer may present, but due to the pandemic that program has been switched entirely over the phone.

Other programs have been suspended such as one that houses cancer patients in hotels, and another that offers transportation to doctor appointments. The organization has made a rapid transformation in recent weeks.

"The majority of the programs, the support and the information that the American Cancer Society offers ,100 percent is available both online and via telephone," Sachs said.

"It’s frustrating. It’s frustrating for some ladies," Serenity owner, Dori Tallarita said.

The Rancho Mirage shop offers breast prostheses, lymphedema garments and more. The store's services have become limited during the pandemic, which has created another roadblock for patients. Serenity has reduced to offering fittings by appointment, delivery, and pick-up.

"There are a couple that said no, send our things but when somebody just had surgery 6 weeks ago or so they just want their breast back," Tallarita said.

Despite new obstacles, supporters have continued to fight and ensure that patients are not only cared for but have someone to talk to.

"We have podcasts, we have articles on what you need to know about," Sachs said.

She also encouraged patients to reach out to local social workers to see how they could help.

In recent weeks, there have also been rumors swirling about delayed treatments but Sachs said that would not happen.

"It is unheard of for a cancer patient to be denied life-saving treatment. That in my opinion just isn’t going to happen. It for sure doesn’t happen in this valley," Sachs said.

Sachs said the only time something could be delayed, is if doctors believed a treatment of a less serious diagnosis was safe to put off.

For anyone who wants more information, you're asked to call 800-227-2345.