What should I do if I am diagnosed with cancer?
Jul 15, 2019 · Here are some tips to help you get ready for treatment: Stock your pantry and freezer with your favorite foods so you won’t need to shop as often. Include foods you know you... Cook in advance, and freeze foods in meal-sized portions. Talk to your friends or family members about ways they can help ...
How can I prepare for chemotherapy and radiation treatment?
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle Undergoing cancer treatment in Missouri can take a toll on one’s mind and body. Combat the side effects with proper nutrition and exercise. Ask your doctor for recommendations of the food to eat and to avoid. You can also start doing light exercises, like taking a stroll around your neighborhood.
What should I eat during my cancer treatment regimen?
You can help yourself to get ready for cancer treatment by trying to eat a wide range of foods in the right proportions, also called a varied diet. This includes eating enough protein, calories and other nutrients. Eating a varied diet is one part of prehabilitation.
What is the first step in cancer treatment?
Jun 16, 2020 · Listen to calming music or try a meditation app. Bring a favorite snack or drink. Pack medications and medical equipment in a separate, waterproof bag, such as in a resealable plastic bag. And, pack this bag in your carry-on bag so it is easy to reach at all times. Be sure to keep all medications in their original containers.
What to do after cancer diagnosis?
After you have been diagnosed with cancer you will need to prepare for whatever type of treatment you choose to pursue. Most cancers are treated through radiation or chemo therapy, and there are specific steps you can take when preparing for any of the types of treatment. Your cancer may be overwhelming from a physical and emotional standpoint;
How to help someone with cancer?
Depending on the severity of your cancer treatment, you may need to hire a caregiver to administer medication on a regular basis or to help you with activities such as eating or bathing.
Why is it important to share your experiences with others?
It’s important that you can share the experiences you’re going through with other individuals who are also going to cancer treatment. You can comfort and reassure one another, and share treatment tips and experiences to help you cope with your treatment.
Can cancer be removed with radiation?
If the surgery works, your cancer will be removed; if surgery doesn’t remove all of the malignant tissue, you may need to be treated with chemotherapy or radiation. Ask your doctor:
Does smoking cause cancer?
Smoking can lessen the flow of blood and slow down your recovery from surgery. [21] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source. Smoking also increases your risk for cancer.
How to get rid of nausea after a syringe?
Throughout your treatment process, your tastes may change and you may also experience nausea. To ensure that you get the nutrition you need, try to eat more foods that are high in protein and calories.
Who is Shari Forschen?
This article was medically reviewed by Shari Forschen, NP, MA. Shari Forschen is a Registered Nurse at Sanford Health in North Dakota. She received her Family Nurse Practitioner Master's from the University of North Dakota and has been a nurse since 2003. This article has been viewed 11,145 times.
What to do when you have cancer?
Ask your doctor what the best and worst case scenarios are. Whether you’re facing chemotherapy, radiation or surgery, you need to know what to expect. Many people go into cancer treatment without knowing the possibilities.
How to get a cancer diagnosis?
There are plenty of off-line resources and other options as well: 1 Talk to other patients. 2 Find support groups for your type of cancer. 3 Get a second opinion.
How to treat kidney cancer?
For those with kidney cancer, for instance, the Kidney Cancer Association can educate and prepare you for nephrectomy, which is the most common first step for treatment of kidney cancer. 3. Be proactive. Provide all of your physicians with documentation about your conditions. Don’t assume they have everything.
Can you use online information as a starting point?
Use online information only as a starting point. None of the information you find online is a substitute for a face-to-face discussion with a physician. Smart patients gather their information then bring it into my office and say, “What do you think?”
What happens if you have cancer?
Following a cancer diagnosis, you might go through a period of uncertainty and anxiety. This can lead to a loss of appetite and weight. Try to continue eating if you feel like this, following the advice on a varied diet. So, divide your plate at each meal as shown below.
Is it important to eat healthy before cancer treatment?
It is important that your loved ones understand the importance of a healthy diet before and after your cancer treatment. This is especially so if they normally cook for you.
How to pack for a trip?
Whether your travel is by air, car, or public transportation, try to prioritize your comfort. Here are some things to keep in mind when packing: 1 Bring entertainment, such as a book or tablet. 2 Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. 3 Listen to calming music or try a meditation app. 4 Bring a favorite snack or drink. 5 Pack medications and medical equipment in a separate, waterproof bag, such as in a resealable plastic bag. And, pack this bag in your carry-on bag so it is easy to reach at all times. Be sure to keep all medications in their original containers. 6 Keep a list of all medications you take and keep dosage amounts handy.
What to do if you don't have a direct flight?
For air travel, if you don’t have a direct flight, know where the nearest medical facilities are in your layover city , including cancer centers and other medical services. And, always be prepared for delays, canceled flights, or getting stuck overnight in a different city, such as by keeping essential medications and medical equipment with you.
Can cancer patients travel?
Travel under normal circumstances can often be uncomfortable, both physically and mentally, and traveling for cancer treatment can make these issues even more noticeable. If you will be away from home for a long time, research your planned lodging services to see what amenities they provide (kitchenette, laundry facility, etc.) so you can properly pack for your journey.
Can TSA stop you from flying?
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may stop you if your medication and medical devices are prohibited, so check the current regulations.
Can you travel to get cancer treatment?
If you must travel to receive cancer treatment, know that you have options to help with logistics, cost, and emotional support. The cost of travel may be high, especially if you must travel a long distance and be away from home for a long time. If you need to travel for treatment, the first step is to ask your hospital or insurance company ...
Why is cancer treated?
Why it's done. The goal of cancer treatment is to achieve a cure for your cancer, allowing you to live a normal life span. This may or may not be possible, depending on your specific situation. If a cure isn't possible, your treatments may be used to shrink your cancer or slow the growth of your cancer to allow you to live symptom free ...
What is the most common cancer treatment?
Any cancer treatment can be used as a primary treatment, but the most common primary cancer treatment for the most common types of cancer is surgery. If your cancer is particularly sensitive to radiation therapy or chemotherapy, you may receive one of those therapies as your primary treatment. Adjuvant treatment.
How does the immune system fight cancer?
Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy , also known as biological therapy, uses your body's immune system to fight cancer. Cancer can survive unchecked in your body because your immune system doesn't recognize it as an intruder. Immunotherapy can help your immune system "see" the cancer and attack it. Hormone therapy.
Where does radiation come from?
Radiation treatment can come from a machine outside your body (external beam radiation), or it can be placed inside your body (brachytherapy). Bone marrow transplant. Your bone marrow is the material inside your bones that makes blood cells from blood stem cells.
What is adjuvant therapy?
Adjuvant treatment. The goal of adjuvant therapy is to kill any cancer cells that may remain after primary treatment in order to reduce the chance that the cancer will recur. Any cancer treatment can be used as an adjuvant therapy. Common adjuvant therapies include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy.
How does cryoablation work?
Cryoablation. This treatment kills cancer cells with cold. During cryoablation, a thin, wandlike needle (cryoprobe) is inserted through your skin and directly into the cancerous tumor. A gas is pumped into the cryoprobe in order to freeze the tissue. Then the tissue is allowed to thaw.
What is the goal of surgery?
Surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancer or as much of the cancer as possible. Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill cancer cells. Radiation treatment can come from a machine outside your body ...
How does cancer affect your work?
Find out more about the decisions you may need to make in the future. Cancer and its treatment often disrupt family life and normal routines. As a result, your childcare needs may change and you may need more support to look after your children.
How does heart disease affect cancer?
If you have a heart condition. If you have a heart condition this may affect the cancer treatment you have or how it is planned. Eating well and keeping active. After a cancer diagnosis, many people find that following a healthy, balanced diet and staying active helps give them back a sense of control.
Can you get a blue badge for cancer?
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be able to get free or discounted travel fares. You may also be able to get a Blue Badge to help with parking costs . Talking to your healthcare team about treatment. Talking to healthcare staff can help you get the information and support you need.
Can you look after a pet with cancer?
Pet care. It can be difficult to look after a pet when you have cancer and you may need to plan for their care. Find out who can help with your pet care. If you have cancer and you look after someone. If you have cancer and also look after someone, you may have many different feelings that may come and go.