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We sure need trauma-informed practitioners in cancer centers. When I had my breast cancer surgeries there were none and the trauma I endured was greatly impacted by the way my reaction to losing a breast and the sheer trauma of having two major surgeries was handled. No one wanted to talk about the emotional turmoil, instead, they only wanted to talk about the physical aspects. I hope you find your center and will let the rest of us know. 

I don't believe there are any. That being said, i feel that health care and particularly CMS (Centers for Medicare Services) and WHO (World Health Organization) are beginning to take note and i predict this will soon be a requirement for them to participate in any state funded health care services. Also, I found a link to the healthcare organizations that are currently piloting trauma focused care. Please let me know if you're unable to view it. 

https://www.thenationalcouncil...-learning-community/

Andrea 

I was treated for breast cancer in 2018/19 and part of my care team was a wonderful Integrative Oncologist named Dr Keith Block (The Block Clinic, in Skokie, Ill).  I do not know what his practice-specific policies are for his patients' old or current traumas, as I only had a consult with him, and then received/practiced his recommended treatment in my home area.  However, I can report that 1/4 of my 4-hour consult was about emotional aspects, psychological dimensions, spiritual practices and music, nature, resilience, meditation/yoga and other 'best practices' for nurturing myself and being psychologically grounded. 

So I think contacting some top Integrative Oncologists would be a great place to begin your hunt. 

I can also attest to there being an *extreme* need for trauma awareness. 

In my non-scientific but ACE-aware observation, from active participation in patient message boards: a LOT of cancer patients have had prior childhood trauma (just like a lot of Americans).  There are also many co-morbidities indicating child trauma among cancer patients.

I can attest that emotional dimensions-- proactivity (self agency), love, a sense of purpose-- dictates a huge amount of the course of one's healing.  Being fierce in defense of your life, and self, and values.  Being a deep-dive researcher and strong self-advocate.   Swimming against the tide, and not becoming a widget, and all of it while feeling like shit!

Now, think of being an abuse survivor:  people pulling your gown open, making you lie still, etc.   Maybe even hurting you, in specific treatments.  Manipulating a part of your body where sexual often first occurs.  Male techs in empty rooms.  Etc.   

From the shock of diagnosis on, BC treatment is a series of mini traumas...  "I have  WHAT?"  Then being made to do highly unpleasant treatments, losing your hair, being seen as an ill person by others, being 'forced' to do so many things you do not want to do.    For many, though the meds of recurrence-prevention are yucky and ongoing, the woman can appear "well" so she gets no empathy or actual understanding of the fear/grief state she may be in & the sword of Damocles they live under.  How like a traumatized child's emotional experience!!

I am very lucky to have had excellent social (and financial) support from a good family and no sexual abuse in my background.  I am lucky to have dear friends and lovely kids who took care of me.  My sense of luck and joy was a palpable counter force:  a rising wave that buoyed me up alongside all the treatments beating me down.  Exalted and grateful emotions are very, very healing. 

I tell people, only half kidding, that the best thing I did for myself to heal was adopt two kittens.  Instant JOY remedy.

Please press forward and let us know what you find.

I am a survivor of severe childhood trauma and the mental health issues that follow so I desperately needed someone who is trauma-informed but I cannot go looking for help because I have a very limited income. I was stuck with whomever I could get to treat me. I lived in a very rural community and was lucky to have any hope at all of receiving the correct care let alone get someone who was trauma-informed. Rural communities are sorely lacking in services of any kind and we need trauma-informed professionals of every kind here. It's a real problem. 

@ShirleyJDavis-I’d highly recommend TalkSpace for anyone who is seeking treatment. They’re licensed therapist with various backgrounds however you can chose the type of provider you’re looking for. I feel it’s a great option and very beneficial for those is rural areas. It bridges the gap between patients and providers. I know it can be difficult to find someone who has experience with trauma based locally which is why this seems like a great fit. I believe they have a free trial period of one week. I hope that helps. *hugs*

Andrea 

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