when to call the doctor during cancer treatment

When to Call the Doctor During Cancer Treatment

• Infection
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a potentially life-threatening blood clot
• Pulmonary embolism (PE), which is a blood clot in the lung
• Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), which is a life-threatening vital organ injury

Full Answer

How can I talk to my doctor about my cancer diagnosis?

Talking frankly and openly with your doctor and the rest of your cancer care team is also important. They need to be the ones to answer some specific questions you may have, and they want to be able to answer all of your questions. It helps if you know what to ask.

How do I know when to call the Doctor?

It can be hard to know when to call the doctor. Ask your health care team which signs and symptoms to expect and which ones need medical attention right away. Some serious side effects that need medical attention include the following conditions. Each one is described further in this article. What are the signs of infection?

When should I call the doctor for side effects?

It can be hard to know when to call the doctor. Ask your health care team which signs and symptoms to expect and which ones need medical attention right away. Some serious side effects that need medical attention include the following conditions.

Should I talk about my cancer treatment with other people?

Waiting for your cancer treatment to start can bring up strong emotions. If you're experiencing anxiety, sadness, or other kinds of stressful emotions, it may help you to talk with others about it.

When should a cancer patient go to the ER?

For instance, under normal circumstances a fever might be a typical sign of illness and nothing to be alarmed about. However, for cancer patients with compromised immune systems, a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or above signals it's time to call the ambulance or visit the emergency room.

How do you know if cancer treatment is working?

After treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, your doctor will examine you for any new growths. You'll also get blood tests, X-rays, and other imaging tests. These tests will measure your tumor and see if your treatment has slowed or stopped your cancer.

What are the signs that chemo is not working?

Here are some signs that chemotherapy may not be working as well as expected: tumors aren't shrinking. new tumors keep forming. cancer is spreading to new areas.

When should I call my oncologist?

In Cancer World, there are times when it is imperative to make a call right away: If you are on treatment and your temperature goes above a certain point (usually 100.2, but varies by doctor); if you think you are experiencing an acute crisis like a heart attack or a stroke; or if there is a sudden and dramatic change ...

Can cancer still spread while on chemo?

While chemotherapy is one of the oldest and most successful ways of treating cancer, it doesn't always work. So, yes, cancer can spread during chemotherapy. Spreading could mean the tumor keeps growing, or that the original tumor shrinks, but cancer metastasizes, forming tumors in other areas of the body.

How do you know when a tumor is dying?

Exhaustion, Weakness, and Desire to Sleep: The cancer patient may become much weaker and more easily exhausted during these last weeks. They may want to sleep often because of this, as well as spend most of their day in bed. Loss of Appetite: They may lose much of their appetite or have difficulty eating and drinking.

Does chemo get worse with each treatment?

The effects of chemo are cumulative. They get worse with each cycle. My doctors warned me: Each infusion will get harder. Each cycle, expect to feel weaker.

How many rounds of chemo is normal?

During a course of treatment, you usually have around 4 to 8 cycles of treatment. A cycle is the time between one round of treatment until the start of the next. After each round of treatment you have a break, to allow your body to recover.

What should you not do during chemotherapy?

9 things to avoid during chemotherapy treatmentContact with body fluids after treatment. ... Overextending yourself. ... Infections. ... Large meals. ... Raw or undercooked foods. ... Hard, acidic, or spicy foods. ... Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption. ... Smoking.More items...•

What does an oncologist do on first visit?

At the first appointment, the oncologist will talk about treatment options. The doctor will explain which ones are available, how effective they are and what the side effects may be. Then the oncologist will recommend a course and talk about when the treatments should take place.

Does Chemo start working immediately?

Some people feel the effects of chemo right away, but for others, it takes a day or two. Not all chemo drugs have the same side effects.

How long after seeing oncologist will chemo start?

In some situations, your doctor may diagnose a new primary cancer instead of a recurrence. If so, you should wait no more than 2 months (62 days) to start treatment.

Can blood tests tell if chemo is working?

Some cancers produce chemicals (biomarkers) that can be found in the blood. Your doctor might take some blood to test for these markers. They can use it to see how well your treatment is working.

How long does it take for a tumor to shrink after radiation?

At the same time, if a cell doesn't divide, it also cannot grow and spread. For tumors that divide slowly, the mass may shrink over a long, extended period after radiation stops. The median time for a prostate cancer to shrink is about 18 months (some quicker, some slower).

How long does chemo take to shrink a tumor?

In general, chemotherapy can take about 3 to 6 months to complete. It may take more or less time, depending on the type of chemo and the stage of your condition.

What happens if chemo doesn't shrink tumors?

But not all tumors shrink under chemotherapy. If the tumor resists neoadjuvant therapy, there can be a higher risk of developing metastatic disease, meaning that the tumor will recur in other organs, such as bones or lungs.

What type of cancer needs to be treated right away?

You have a type of cancer that needs to be treated right away, like some leukemias, lymphomas, and certain other cancers that tend to be aggressive (grow and spread very fast). You have a tumor that's pressing on an organ or other vital part of the body, and treatment is needed to relieve the pressure.

Do you need to make adjustments before starting treatment?

You want more time to get a second opinion. It's important to know each person's case is different.

Can you wait to get lab results back?

You are waiting to get lab results back that will help decide what treatment option is best. You have already had surgery to remove a tumor, and you need time to recover before starting more treatment. You need to make adjustments at home, work, or for child care before starting treatment.

Does cancer need to be started right away?

Does cancer treatment always need to be started right away? Sometimes, it's important to start treatment as quickly as possible, but that's not always the case. Planning cancer treatment can be complex and might take some time, depending on the type and stage of your cancer.

What happens after cancer diagnosis?

After a cancer diagnosis, people with cancer and their families have to make a number of decisions about treatment. These decisions are complicated by feelings of anxiety, unfamiliar words, statistics, and a sense of urgency. But unless the situation is extremely urgent, take time to research your options, ask questions, ...

What is ASCO in cancer?

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and other cancer organizations publish guidelines and treatment decision-making tools. These tools help doctors and patients understand various treatment options. Learn more about treatment recommendations for the specific type of cancer that you have.

What is palliative care?

He or she may also use palliative care, also called supportive care, to manage symptoms and side effects. Make sure your doctor explains the goals of your treatment plan and how it will affect you. And make sure it aligns with your personal goals for treatment.

What are the treatments for cancer?

These options may include: Surgery. Radiation therapy. Chemotherapy. Hormone therapy. Targeted therapy. Immunotherapy. Active surveillance, also called watchful waiting.

Can cancer cause long term side effects?

Sometimes cancer can cause long-term side effects, or late effects, that might develop months or even years after treatment. Talk with your health care team about the possible long-term effects of each treatment option and how they are managed. In addition, discuss possible sexual or reproductive concerns with your health care team, including the risk of not being unable to have children. You have more options to keep your fertility if you address this concern before treatment, instead of waiting until after treatment.

Is cancer care expensive?

The cost of cancer care is often high, and you may have expenses that you were not expecting. Your health care team can help you identify costs related to your treatment options or suggest ways to manage medical and related costs.

Can you get a second opinion from another oncologist?

Many people seek a second or even third opinion from another oncologist, and many doctors encourage it. Different oncologists may have different experiences with various treatments. So seeking multiple opinions can help you make a decision or confirm your current treatment plan. First check with your insurance company to find out if your policy covers a specific doctor or health care system.