Another option for adults or children with cancer is the Healthcare Hospitality Network. This group of nearly 200 non-profit organizations throughout the US provides free or low-cost family-centered lodging to families getting medical treatment far from home.
Full Answer
Where can I live during cancer treatment?
Sometimes cancer treatment is given far from home. Many treatment centers have short-term housing centers or discount programs set up with nearby motels and hotels. The clinic social worker or oncology nurse might know about low-cost housing during hospital or clinic treatment.
How can I get transportation to and from cancer treatment?
Contact your local American Cancer Society office for more information on the type of transportation program available in your area. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, through its Patient Aid program, can help some families with the cost of gas and parking for outpatient treatment.
What to do after cancer treatment?
Coping with your feelings Going back to work and relating with friends and coworkers Show this booklet to the people who are close to you so they understand what life is like after cancer treatment. Take it with you to doctor visits to discuss the content with your health care team, especially the follow-up care sections.
Where can I find low-cost housing during cancer treatment?
The clinic social worker or oncology nurse might know about low-cost housing during hospital or clinic treatment. The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge® program can offer families a free place to stay when cancer treatment is given far from home. Contact us to find out if there’s a Hope Lodge location near your treatment center.
What is the best place to go for cancer treatment?
10 best hospitals for cancer care, ranked by US News & World...University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston)Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York City)Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minn.)Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore)Cleveland Clinic.Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center (Boston)More items...•
Can you move when you have cancer?
Most people who have cancer can travel without problems. But there are times when it's best not to travel. You might not be able to fly if you have had certain treatments. This is because of changes in pressure or the amount of oxygen in the cabin of the plane.
Do people travel for cancer treatment?
For many people with cancer, traveling a long distance to receive treatment is a necessity. Health care providers may be spread across multiple hospitals and offices, and the specialists you need may be hours away from home.
Where do they put cancer patients?
Ports are most often placed under the skin of the chest or arm. With certain types of cancer, a port might be placed in the abdomen (belly) to allow medicine to be given into the area where a tumor is. To use the port, a nurse sticks a special needle through the skin and into the port's septum.
Can I travel during chemo?
Air travel during chemotherapy may not always be safe. But, depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may give you clearance to fly. Talk to your doctor first before booking any flights.
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...•
Do airlines give discounts for cancer patients?
Angel Airlines for Cancer Patients Angel Airlines provides free or reduced commercial airline tickets for cancer patients and their families in need. Patients must express a financial need in order to participate in this program, as well as provide their doctor's certification that there is a medical need.
Can I get cancer treatment in another country?
People may travel to another country to get health care for many reasons, including: Cost: To get treatment or a procedure that may be cheaper in another country. Culture: To receive care from a healthcare provider who shares the traveler's culture and language.
How do you know if chemo is killing you?
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....Along the way, the timeline may have to be adjusted due to:low blood counts.adverse effects to major organs.severe side effects.
At what stage of cancer is chemotherapy used?
Usually, chemotherapy may be used for all stages in most cancer types. Chemotherapy is a type of medicine or combination of medications that is used to treat or kill cancer cells. Adjuvant therapy: Chemotherapy may be used after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence (coming back).
How do you feel after first chemo treatment?
The most commonly reported side effect after receiving chemotherapy is fatigue. 7 Give yourself time for extra rest and sleep in the days after a session. Tell your healthcare provider if your fatigue begins to affect your ability to function or complete basic tasks, like bathing.
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.
How does cancer affect weight?
Cancer patients know that the constant barrage of chemicals and harsh treatments can seriously mess with our weight. Weight loss is one of the most common symptoms of both cancer and treatment, with between 40 and 80 percent of patients reporting weight loss [3] and cachexia (wasting) from diagnosis to advanced treatment. Working with your doctor or a dietician will help you return to a healthy weight in a safe way. He or she will design a diet and, if needed, prescribe medication to help you manage your weight.
What percentage of cancer survivors report anxiety?
In fact, between 18 and 20 percent of adult cancer survivors report symptoms of anxiety [1], while almost 80 percent of survivors experience some level of fear of recurrence. It’s vital that cancer survivors and patients alike are constantly looking inward and taking daily measurements of mood and general well-being.
What are the symptoms of cancer?
You’ve spent the last several months or years caring for your body to the point of exhaustion. Now it’s your brain’s turn. Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and cancer fears are quite common among survivors. In fact, between 18 and 20 percent of adult cancer survivors report symptoms of anxiety [1], while almost 80 percent of survivors experience some level of fear of recurrence. It’s vital that cancer survivors and patients alike are constantly looking inward and taking daily measurements of mood and general well-being. If you experience any persistent, negative feelings, be sure to seek out advice from a licensed mental health professional.
How to stay positive after cancer?
Building up a strong social network is vital to staying happy and positive post-cancer, and nobody will help you get there faster than fellow survivors. Like anything on this list, make sure you ease into it and wait until you’re fully ready. Having to recount your experience before you’ve fully processed it can worsen symptoms of post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. But, after a period of time, it will help you feel stronger and more secure when you have a group of friends or family members to share your experience with. You can use the American Cancer Society’s resources database [4] to find specific support groups in your area.
Can you grow back hair after chemotherapy?
Luckily, while it takes a little bit of time, most cancer patients are able to fully grow back their hair.
Can radiation treatment cause hair to turn red?
Hair isn’t the only physical feature that takes a beating during the treatment process. Chemotherapy and radiation can leave skin red, dry, itchy, or discolored, and it tends to leave nails cracked, infected, or yellow. A full-blown spa day is in order after you’ve recovered from your final treatment. Make sure to also see a dermatologist, especially if you’ve seen any serious changes in your skin since you were diagnosed.
Is exercise good for cancer patients?
Medical experts consistently say that exercise is among the most important components of a healthy life during and after cancer. One of the biggest reasons for this is that, though it sounds counterintuitive, getting physical can help reduce the ever-present cancer fatigue while also helping you get better sleep, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and helping you build back muscle strength that may have deteriorated during treatment. Just be sure to follow all medical advice as you ease back into exercise, especially if you’ve recently had surgery.
What is a non profit organization?
Nonprofit organizations, including those operated by faith-based organizations,frequently offer a variety of support service programs for people who need them. These may include assistance with lawn work,pet care or light maintenance and repair for your home. Livestrong Cancer Navigation Services.
What is support services?
Support services may include help with air and ground transportation for medical care,emotional support,help with the process of returning to work or financial assistance for child care and other needs. Knowing about support services may help you get through a challenging time when additional expenses create a financial and emotional burden.
What is the United Way 2-1-1 number?
Call the United Way 2-1-1 telephone helpline (www.211.org) is available in many areas. This helpline provides free and confidential information and referral with food,housing,employment,health care,counseling resources and more.
What is utility assistance?
Utility companies often have funds to assist individuals and families with low or fixed-incomes when they are having trouble paying their electric,natural gas or other energy bills. Homeowners,renters and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible. Assistance can include reinstating service that has been shut off for non-payment, financial aid for fuel payments and repair of leaking pipes and broken furnaces. Contact your utility company to find out about services and assistance they offer.
What to do when waiting for child care?
For example, if you are waiting for the benefits of a child care assistance program to start, you may need to ask a family member or friend to help you for a short time until the benefits go into effect.
What is the best way to help someone with cancer?
A member of your health care team,such as a nurse or hospital social worker,may be able to refer you to a government-funded service or a community assistance program. You may also want to ask family, friends or a representative from a cancer organization for assistance.
What are faith based organizations?
Faith-based organizations ,such as churches or temples, often provide services including transportation assistance. Contact the administrative offices of faith-based organizations to find out what services are offered in your area.
How can pain control help with cancer?
Pain and symptom control can be part of your care in any place of care, such as the hospital, home, and hospice.
How can open communication help in cancer care?
Open communication can help you and your doctors make decisions together and create a plan of care that meets your goals and wishes. If your doctor is not comfortable talking about end-of-life plans, you can talk to other specialists for help. (See the PDQ summary on Communication in Cancer Care .)
What is CPR in cancer?
CPR is a procedure used to try to restart the heart and breathing when it stops. In advanced cancer, the heart, lungs, and other organs begin to fail and it's harder to restart them with CPR. Your doctor can help you understand how CPR works and talk with you about whether CPR is likely to work for you.
How does palliative care help?
Palliative care helps to improve your quality of life by preventing and relieving suffering. When you're more comfortable, your family's quality of life may also be better. Palliative care includes treating physical symptoms such as pain, and helping you and your family with emotional, social, and spiritual concerns. When palliative treatment is given at the end of life, the focus is on relieving symptoms and distress caused by the process of dying and to make sure your goals of care are followed.
Why do doctors talk to patients about end of life?
Many patients who start talking with their doctors early about end-of-life issues report feeling better prepared. Better communication with your doctors may make it easier to deal with concerns about being older, living alone, relieving symptoms, spiritual well-being, and how your family will cope in the future.
Can you live longer with chemotherapy?
Others wish to let the disease take its course when a cure is not expected. In the end stages of cancer, chemotherapy usually doesn't help you live longer and it may lower the quality of the time that remains.
What happens after cancer treatment?
When cancer treatment ends, people begin a new chapter in their lives, one that can bring hope and happiness, but also worries and fear. No two people are alike. Each person has his or her own way of coping and learning to manage these emotions. It will take time and practice.
How does religion help people with cancer?
Religion can be a great source of strength for some people. Some find new faith during a cancer experience. Others find that cancer informs their existing faith or their faith provides newfound strength. Still others find themselves questioning their faith. If you are a religious person, a minister, rabbi, other leader of your faith, or a trained pastoral counselor can help you identify your spiritual needs and find spiritual support. Some members of the clergy are specially trained to help minister to people with cancer and their families.
What does it feel like to be put aside for cancer treatment?
For some people, emotions that were put aside during cancer treatment come flooding back all at once, and they feel overwhelmed with sadness, anger, or fear. Some of it may be the lingering side effects of treatment, but some of it feels as if your body and spirit are tired and need a long rest.
Why do people need support groups?
Support in any form allows you to express your feelings and develop coping skills. Studies have found that people who take part in support groups have an improved quality of life, including better sleep and appetite. Contact your American Cancer Society to find out about available sources of support where you live.
What is the meaning of "you've just been through a difficult time"?
You’ve just been through a difficult time. You’ve had to make some major life decisions. Your body has been assaulted by cancer and its treatment. Your outlook and your whole way of life have changed, at least for a time. Facing these feelings and learning how to deal with them is important.
What does it mean when you have symptoms that are a lot like the ones you had when you first found you had?
Having symptoms that are a lot like the ones you had when you first found you had cancer
How long does a cancer group meet?
Other groups focus on certain types of cancer or stages of disease. The length of time groups meet can range from a set number of weeks to an ongoing program.
How to stay active after cancer?
Several recent reports suggest that staying active after cancer can help lower the risk of recurrence and can lead to longer survival. Moderate exercise (walking, biking, swimming) for about 30 minutes every —or almost every—day can: • Reduce anxiety and depression • Improve mood and boost self-esteem • Reduce fatigue, nausea, pain, and diarrhea It is important to start an exercise program slowly and increase activity over time, working with your doctor or a specialist (such as a physical therapist) if needed. If you need to stay in bed during your recovery, even small activities like stretching or moving your arms or legs can help you stay flexible, relieve muscle tension, and help you feel better. Some people may need to take special care in exercising. Talk with your doctor before you begin any exercise program.
What doctor will provide follow up care for cancer?
For regular medical care, you may decide to see your main provider, such as a family doctor. For specific concerns, you may want to see a specialist. This is a topic you can discuss with your doctors. They can help you decide how to make transitions in care. Depending on where you live, it may make more sense to get follow-up cancer care from your family doctor, rather than your oncologist . It’s important to note that some insurance plans pay for follow-up care only with certain doctors and for a set number of visits. In coming up with your schedule, you may want to check your health insurance plan to see what follow-up care it allows. No matter what your health coverage situation is, try to find doctors you feel comfortable with.
What does "cancer survivor" mean?
This booklet uses the term “cancer survivor” to include anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, from the time of diagnosis through the rest of his or her life. Family members, friends, and caregivers are also part of the survivorship experience. You may not like the word, or you may feel that it does not apply to you, but the word “survivor” helps many people think about embracing their lives beyond their illness.
What is the first few months of cancer treatment?
Those who have gone through cancer treatment describe the first few months as a time of change . It’s not so much “getting back to normal” as it is finding out what’s normal for you now. People often say that life has new meaning or that they look at things differently now. You can also expect things to keep changing as you begin your recovery. Your new “normal” may include making changes in the way you eat, the things you do, and your sources of support, all of which are discussed in this booklet.
How to reduce the risk of cancer?
4Cut down on how much alcohol you drink. Research shows that drinking alcohol increases your chances of getting certain types of cancers. 4Eat well. Healthy food choices and physical activity may help reduce the risk of cancer or recurrence. Talk with your doctor or a nutritionist to find out about any special dietary needs that you may have. The American Cancer Society and the American Institute for Cancer Research have developed similar diet and fitness guidelines that may help reduce the risk of cancer: • Eat a plant-based diet and have at least 5–9 servings of fruit and vegetables daily. Try to include beans in your diet, and eat whole grains (such as cereals, breads, and pasta) several times daily. • Choose foods low in fat and low in salt. • Get to and stay at a healthy weight. For more tips on nutrition and healthy eating, go to www.aicr.org
What to expect after cancer treatment?
Yet at the same time, you may feel sad and worried. It’s common to be concerned about whether the cancer will come back and what you should do after treatment. When treatment ends, you may expect life to return to the way it was before you were diagnosed with cancer. But it can take time to recover. You may have permanent scars on your body, or you may not be able to do some things you once did easily. Or you may even have emotional scars from going through so much. You may find that others think of you differently now—or you may view yourself in a different way. One of the hardest things after treatment is not knowing what happens next.
How often should I see a doctor for cancer?
Your follow-up care plan depends on the type of cancer and type of treatment you had, along with your overall health. It is usually different for each person who has been treated for cancer. In general, survivors usually return to the doctor every 3 to 4 months during the first 2 to 3 years after treatment, and once or twice a year after that. At these visits, your doctor will look for side effects from treatment and check if your cancer has returned (recurred) or spread (metastasized) to another part of your body. At these visits, your doctor will: n Review your medical history n Give you a physical exam Your doctor may run follow-up tests such as: n Blood tests n MRI or CT scans. These scans take detailed pictures of areas inside the body at different angles. n Endoscopy (en-DOSS-koh-pee). This test uses a thin, lighted tube to examine the inside of the body. At your first follow-up visit, talk with your doctor about your follow-up care plan. See page 11 for a list of organizations and programs that give follow-up care guidelines for survivors or Resources on page 57 for a detailed list of cancer- related organizations. Follow-up care can also include home care, occupational or vocational therapy, pain management, physical therapy, and support groups. (See pages 12–13 for a description of these services.)
What is a cancerous tumor?
Cancerous tumors are called malignant. Cancer cells form when DNA abnormalities cause a gene to behave differently than it should. They can grow into nearby tissue, spread through the bloodstream or lymph system, and spread through the body. Malignant tumors tend to grow faster than benign tumors.
How does cancer spread?
Cancer can spread through: Tissue. A growing tumor can push through surrounding tissues or into organs. Cancer cells from the primary tumor can break away and form new tumors nearby. The lymph system. Cancer cells from the tumor can enter nearby lymph nodes.
How does surgery help with cancer?
When surgery is used to remove a tumor, the surgeon also removes a small margin of tissue around the tumor to lower the chances of leaving cancer cells behind. Surgery can also help stage the cancer. For example, checking the lymph nodes near the primary tumor can determine if cancer has spread locally.
Why is chemotherapy used for cancer?
Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer, slow its growth, and reduce the chance that new tumors will form. It’s useful when cancer has spread beyond the primary tumor or if you have a type of cancer for which there are no targeted therapies.
What is it called when cancer cells break out of the tissue?
And they’re very good at hiding from the immune system. When cancer cells are still contained in the tissue where they developed, it’s called carcinoma in situ (CIS). Once those cells break outside the tissue’s membrane, it’s called invasive cancer.
Why does cancer happen?
Cancer occurs when there are more abnormal cells than the immune system can handle. Instead of dying, abnormal cells continue to grow and divide, piling up in the form of tumors.
Why is radiation used after surgery?
Radiation can be used to destroy a tumor or to relieve pain. It can also be used after surgery to target any cancer cells that may have been left behind.
How does a caregiver help a cancer patient?
The patient may have good days and bad days, so they may need more help with daily personal care and getting around. Caregivers can help patients save energy for the things that are most important to them. Appetite changes: As the body naturally shuts down, the person with cancer will often need and want less food.
What is an advance directive for cancer?
Experts strongly encourage patients to complete advance directives, which are documents stating a person’s wishes for care. They also designate who the patient chooses as the decision-maker for their care when they are unable to decide. It’s important for people with cancer to have these decisions made before they become too sick to make them. However, if a person does become too sick before they have completed an advance directive, it’s helpful for family caregivers to know what type of care their loved one would want to receive. More information about advance directives can be found below in the Related Resources section of this fact sheet.
Why is it important to have advance directives for cancer patients?
It’s important for people with cancer to have these decisions made before they become too sick to make them. However, if a person does become too sick before they have completed an advance directive, it’s helpful for family caregivers to know what type of care their loved one would want to receive.
Why is it important for a family caregiver to take care of their own body?
Family caregivers are affected by their loved one’s health more than they realize. Taking care of a sick person often causes physical and emotional fatigue, stress, depression, and anxiety. Because of this, it’s important for caregivers to take care of their own body, mind, and spirit.
Why do people with cancer lose appetite?
The loss of appetite is caused by the body’s need to conserve energy and its decreasing ability to use food and fluids properly. Patients should be allowed to choose whether and when to eat or drink.
Why is communication important in end of life?
Research has shown that if a person who has advanced cancer discusses their options for care with a doctor early on, that person’s level of stress decreases and their ability to cope with illness increases. Studies also show that patients prefer an open and honest conversation with their doctor about choices for end-of-life care early in the course of their disease and are more satisfied when they have this talk.
What happens if you have too little lung tissue?
Lungs: If too little healthy lung tissue is left, or if cancer blocks off part of the lung, the person may have trouble breathing and getting enough oxygen. Or, if the lung collapses, it may become infected, which may be too hard for someone with advanced cancer to fight.
