What to say to someone who is going through cancer?
Mar 19, 2021 · Published: March 19, 2021. Medically Reviewed By: Harold J. Burstein, MD, PhD. Harold J. Burstein, MD, PhD, physician-scientist in the Breast Oncology Program of the Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers, provided an update on treatment of ER-positive breast cancer, including the roles of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and ovarian suppression, in a recent …
What questions should I ask my doctor about my cancer treatment?
Mar 20, 2014 · Radiation Therapy for Esophageal Cancer. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays (such as x-rays) or particles to destroy cancer cells. It is often combined with other types of treatment, such as chemotherapy (chemo) and/or surgery, to treat esophageal cancer. Chemotherapy can make radiation therapy more effective against some esophagus cancers ...
How do I find a doctor who treats cancer?
The treatment center staff will become part of your cancer care team. This team may include nurses, physician assistants, social workers, and technicians. The type of health insurance you have will also affect your decision. You may need to choose from centers covered by your insurance. Ask your insurance company for a list of approved centers.
Why am I so angry with cancer treatment?
Feb 28, 2022 · Mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that grows on many types of trees, including apple, oak, pine, and elm (see Question 1 ). Mistletoe extracts are one of the most widely studied complementary and alternative medicine therapies in people with cancer. In Europe, mistletoe extracts are among the most prescribed drugs for patients with cancer (see ...
Should you go to the ER if you think you have cancer?
In conclusion, emergency room doctors can and should be able to diagnose cancer especially if they are equipped to do the job. It takes several tests before one is considered to be suffering from the disease.
Why do cancer patients go to the ER?
If you experience chemotherapy- or radiation-induced side effects, for example, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, and you are unable to control them with medications prescribed by your doctor, you should seek medical care in the EC. The most common problems for which cancer patients come to the EC are pain or high fever.Jun 3, 2009
How soon after cancer diagnosis should treatment start?
Cancer treatment should start very soon after diagnosis, but for most cancers, it won't hurt to wait a few weeks to begin treatment. This gives the person with cancer time to talk about all their treatment options with the cancer care team, family, and friends, and then decide what's best for them.Jun 6, 2016
Can you get a second opinion on a cancer diagnosis?
Doctors are usually happy to help patients arrange a second opinion. Your doctor may even recommend it when the best treatment approach for your cancer is not clear. You should seriously think about getting a second opinion if: You have been diagnosed with a rare type of cancer.Feb 11, 2020
What is emergency chemo?
The Food and Drug Administration has approved Vistogard (uridine triacetate) for the emergency treatment of adults and children who receive an overdose of the cancer chemotherapies fluorouracil (5-FU) or capecitabine, or who develop certain severe or life-threatening toxicities within four days of receiving these ...
How long do cancer patients stay in the hospital?
Median duration of hospital stay was 9.0 days, with 58.0% of the admissions having a duration of more than 7 days. One-hundred and seventy-eight admissions (26.5%) ended with in-hospital death and another 12.9% was transferred to hospice.Mar 26, 2015
Why would Dr stop chemo?
Cancer treatment is at its most effective the first time that it's used. If you've undergone three or more chemotherapy treatments for your cancer and the tumors continue to grow or spread, it may be time for you to consider stopping chemotherapy.
What cancer patients need most?
Top 10 Items You Need During Cancer TreatmentShower Chairs. abalcazar / Getty Images. ... Blanket Support. When areas of the body are treated with radiation therapy, the skin can become very sensitive. ... Inflatable Shampoo Basin. ... Disposable Wipes. ... Pill Pulverizer. ... Nosey Cups. ... Bed Tray. ... No Rinse Personal Care.More items...•Apr 12, 2020
What are the signs that chemo is working?
How Can We Tell if Chemotherapy is Working?A lump or tumor involving some lymph nodes can be felt and measured externally by physical examination.Some internal cancer tumors will show up on an x-ray or CT scan and can be measured with a ruler.Blood tests, including those that measure organ function can be performed.More items...
What can I expect at a cancer consultation?
When a patient comes in for the first consultation, the oncologist will conduct a thorough examination. The oncologist will ask questions and review the patient's health history. This will include an assessment of the scans and tests the person may have had beforehand.
What questions should I ask in a second opinion?
Do I Need a 2nd Opinion? 10 Questions to Ask Your DoctorWhat is your experience with this treatment? ... Are there any alternative options? ... What will happen if I wait or don't have the treatment? ... What are the risks? ... How long can I expect the benefits of this treatment to last?More items...•Oct 13, 2021
How do I get a second opinion for cancer treatment?
Making sense of the second opinionMake an appointment with your first doctor to talk about the second opinion.Ask both doctors to explain how they arrived at their treatment plan.Ask them how they interpreted your test results.Ask what research studies or professional guidelines they consulted.More items...•Aug 7, 2019
How many women refused breast cancer surgery?
It compared patients who refused breast cancer with those that those that accepted surgery. Only 1.3% of women (70) refused surgery. Of that group, 37 had no treatment, 25 had hormone-therapy only, and 8 had other types of treatments.
How long does breast cancer last?
(An old study of untreated breast cancer suggest the 5 year survival rates are 18% at 5 years and 3.6% at 10 years.)
What is the willingness to accept tradeoffs?
Willingness to accept these tradeoffs varies dramatically by disease, and are strongly influenced by patient-specific factors. In general, the more serious the illness, the greater the willingness to accept the risks of treatment.
How many people use alternative medicine?
In the population that did not use conventional care, one-quarter (24.8%) used some form of alternative medicine. And 12% (approximately 4.6 million Americans) were estimated to be using alternative medicine, and not conventional medicine, to treat one or more health issues.
Is breast cancer curable?
Breast cancer is well studied, frequently diagnosed, and if detected early, potentially curable. Conventional treatment for early (localized) breast cancer is surgical resection of the tumor, followed by radiation and chemotherapy to reduce the risk of disease recurrence, by killing any residual cancer cells that remain.
Is CAM a substitute for medicine?
Surveys suggest the vast majority of consumers with medical conditions use CAM in addition to, rather than as a substitute for medicine – that is, it is truly “complementary”. But there is a smaller population that uses CAM as a true “alternative” to medicine.
Can you opt out of follow up on cancer?
Most patients who decide to opt-out of cancer treatment, also opt-out of any follow-up evaluation. So tracking down patients, and their outcomes, is essential. The effects of treatment refusals and delay, and the effectiveness of CAM as a substitute, has been evaluated in several groups of patients with breast cancer.
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.
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 help cancer survivors?
Emotional support can be a powerful tool for both cancer survivors and their families. Talking with others who are in situations like yours can help ease loneliness. You can also get useful ideas from others that might help you.
How does radiation help with esophageal cancer?
Radiation therapy may be used: 1 As part of the main treatment of esophageal cancer in some patients, typically along with chemo ( chemoradiation ). This is often used for people who can’t have surgery due to poor health or for people who don’t want surgery. 2 Before surgery (and along with chemo when possible), to try to shrink the cancer and make it easier to remove. This is called neoadjuvant treatment. 3 After surgery (and along with chemo when possible), to try to kill any cancer cells that may have been left behind but are too small to see. This is known as adjuvant therapy. 4 To ease the symptoms of advanced esophageal cancer such as pain, bleeding, or trouble swallowing. This is called palliative therapy.
How many sessions of radiation treatment for esophageal cancer?
The patient needs to stay in the hospital during this treatment, but it can usually be completed in only 1 or 2 sessions. Other types of radiation, such as IMRT (a type of EBRT) as well as proton therapy, are being studied to treat esophageal cancer.
What type of radiation is used to treat esophageal cancer?
There are 2 main types of radiation therapy used to treat esophageal cancer. External-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is the type of radiation therapy used most often for people with esophageal cancer. The radiation is focused on the cancer from a machine outside the body. It is much like getting an x-ray, but the radiation is more intense.
Why do people need neoadjuvant treatment?
Before surgery (and along with chemo when possible), to try to shrink the cancer and make it easier to remove. This is called neoadjuvant treatment.
How long does radiation stay in a tumor?
In low-dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy, a lower dose of radiation is put near the tumor for longer periods (1 or 2 days) at a time.
What are the side effects of radiation?
Possible Side effects of external radiation therapy can include: Skin changes in areas getting radiation, such as redness, blistering and peeling. Nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea. Fatigue. Painful sores in the mouth and throat. Dry mouth or thick saliva (spit) Pain with swallowing.
What is the term for radiation therapy that is done in the throat?
Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) is a type of radiation where the doctor passes an endoscope (a long, flexible tube) down the throat to place radioactive material very close to the cancer. The radiation travels only a short distance, so it reaches the tumor but has little effect on nearby normal tissues.
What is cancer in the medical field?
Cancer is an illness that not only creates complications for one person, but changes the lives of many over the course of the diagnosis, disease, and treatment. If someone you know is going through this, know that your support is valued.
Do cancer patients feel strong?
Cancer patients may not feel strong, and may, in fact, feel the exact opposite. Even if that’s true, it’s important to let them know how strong they truly are. You can also send a gift of a cozy blanket or slippers to provide some comfort as they continue their fight.
What is a cancer center?
Cancer centers carry out laboratory, clinical, and population-based research. Most cancer centers provide care for people with cancer, but some only conduct laboratory research. Comprehensive cancer centers. Comprehensive cancer centers do the same activities as cancer centers.
Does outpatient cancer treatment require a hospital stay?
Outpatient treatment does not require a hospital stay. It can take place at a hospital building, clinic, or doctor’s office. Talk with your health care team to learn about the types of settings where you may receive treatment. When the Doctor Says “Cancer". Making Decisions About Cancer Treatment.
Do you need to stay in hospital for outpatient treatment?
For inpatient care, you stay in the hospital and are closely watched during treatment and recovery. Outpatient treatment does not require a hospital stay.
Does cancer require specialized treatment?
Cancer requires specialized treatment. And it is important to find a center that offers the treatment you need.
What is PDQ in medical?
Physician Data Query (PDQ) is the National Cancer Institute's (NCI's) comprehensive cancer information database. The PDQ database contains summaries of the latest published information on cancer prevention, detection, genetics, treatment, supportive care, and complementary and alternative medicine. Most summaries come in two versions. The health professional versions have detailed information written in technical language. The patient versions are written in easy-to-understand, nontechnical language. Both versions have cancer information that is accurate and up to date and most versions are also available in Spanish.
What is PDQ cancer?
This PDQ cancer information summary has current information about the use of mistletoe extracts in the treatment of people with cancer. It is meant to inform and help patients, families, and caregivers. It does not give formal guidelines or recommendations for making decisions about health care.
What is mistletoe plant?
Mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that grows on several types of trees such as apple, oak, pine, and elm (see Question 1 ). Mistletoe is one of the most widely studied complementary and alternative medicine therapies in people with cancer. In Europe, mistletoe extracts are among the most prescribed drugs for patients with cancer (see Question 1 ).
How to give mistletoe extract?
Mistletoe extracts are usually given by an injection under the skin ( subcutaneous ). Less common ways to give mistletoe include by mouth, into a vein ( intravenous or IV), into the pleural cavity, or into a tumor.
What is complementary medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)—also called integrative medicine—includes a broad range of healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies. A therapy is generally called complementary when it is used in addition to conventional treatments; it is often called alternative when it is used instead of conventional treatment. (Conventional treatments are those that are widely accepted and practiced by the mainstream medical community.) Depending on how they are used, some therapies can be considered either complementary or alternative. Complementary and alternative therapies are used in an effort to prevent illness, reduce stress, prevent or reduce side effects and symptoms, or control or cure disease.
What is animal study?
In animal studies, tests are done to see if a drug, procedure, or treatment is safe and effective in animals. Laboratory and animal studies are done before a substance is tested in people. Laboratory and animal studies have tested the effects of mistletoe extracts in laboratory experiments.
What is clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a study to answer a scientific question, such as whether one treatment is better than another. Trials are based on past studies and what has been learned in the laboratory. Each trial answers certain scientific questions in order to find new and better ways to help cancer patients. During treatment clinical trials, information is collected about the effects of a new treatment and how well it works. If a clinical trial shows that a new treatment is better than one currently being used, the new treatment may become "standard." Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial. Some clinical trials are open only to patients who have not started treatment.
Why do people decline chemotherapy?
Many patients decline chemotherapy for low odds of benefit especially if they have gotten very weak or have other symptoms that make their quality of life very poor. This question originally appeared on Quora - the place to gain and share knowledge, empowering people to learn from others and better understand the world.
What happens when you die from cancer?
The most frequent outcome when cancer patients die is that whatever pain they have is controlled with narcotics and or sedatives. There often comes a point in poorly treatable cancer situations that the treatment is as bad or worse than the disease.
Is pancreatic cancer bad for you?
Some cancers are more associated with pain than others. Pancreatic cancer can be particularly bad when it grows into nerves near the back of the pancreas. But I’ve had many patients with pancreatic cancer where pain wasn’t a problem. Instead, like many other patients with advanced cancers, they became weaker and more frail as their cancer worsened, ...
Can cancer be treated with radiation?
Cancers metastatic to bone are often painful but in some cases the discomfort is mild or more severe pain can be relieved with radiation therapy. There are specialists who assist in managing ...
How does anger affect health?
When expressed in a healthy way, anger can produce positive change. For example, it may provide energy and strength to overcome the challenges of treatment. Consider the following tips when you feel angry: Recognize your anger.
What are the side effects of cancer?
You may also struggle to cope with the side effects of cancer and its treatment, which may include: Sleeping problems. Fatigue. Pain. Nausea. These can make even the happiest person feel irritable.
How to deal with anger?
Do a physical activity while feeling your anger at its full intensity. Beat on a pillow with your fists, or find a punching bag. Yell out loud in a car or private room. Explore complementary therapies, such as massage, relaxation techniques, music, or art.
Is anger a natural emotion?
Anger is a natural emotional response. You do not need to feel guilt if you experience it. Anger is not bad. But some people deal with it and express it in unhealthy ways.
Can cancer patients be angry?
Coping with Anger. Many people living with cancer experience anger. Often, the feeling arises when receiving a cancer diagnosis. But it can develop any time throughout treatment and survivorship.
Who Uses Cam Instead of Medicine?
Effectiveness Evaluations
- The data show that avoiding or delaying conventional cancer care is associated with negative outcomes, and CAM used does not seem to modify this risk. But have any specific CAM interventions shown any benefit? Probably the most comprehensive single review is asystematic review by Gerber et al, published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment in 2006, which looke…
Conclusion: Alternative Medicine Isn’T Real Medicine
- Despite widespread claims, there is no evidence to support the use of any CAM treatment as a replacement for conventional cancer care. As the studies in breast cancer show, delaying treatment or substituting CAM for conventional cancer care dramatically worsens outcomes.The results of these studies will hopefully provide patients and health providers with a better underst…
References
- 1. Verkooijen HM, Fioretta GM, Rapiti E, Bonnefoi H, Vlastos G, Kurtz J, Schaefer P, Sappino AP, Schubert H, & Bouchardy C (2005). Patients’ refusal of surgery strongly impairs breast cancer survival. Annals of surgery, 242 (2), 276-80 PMID: 16041219 2. Chang EY, Glissmeyer M, Tonnes S, Hudson T, & Johnson N (2006). Outcomes of breast cancer in patients who use alternative thera…
Going Back to “Normal”
- You’ve been seeing your cancer care team quite often; now, suddenly, you don’t have to visit for many months at a time. When treatment is done, some people feel like they’re no longer fighting the cancer. Worries can set in. You might feel alone and lost without the support of your cancer care team. These people may have become an important part of...
Learning to Live with Uncertainty
- You may notice that you’re paying a lot of attention to aches and pains in your body. You may feel like a “sitting duck.” The doctor says you have no signs of cancer now, but can you be sure? You may be wondering… 1. Will it come back? 2. What are the chances it will come back? 3. How will I know if it has come back? 4. What will I do if it comes back? 5. When will it come back? The fea…
Health Problems from Cancer Treatment
- Some cancer treatments may cause health problems later on. These may be called long-term side effects. These problems might not appear right away and some don’t show up until years after treatment. Ask your cancer care team: 1. If the treatments you had put you at risk for short- or long-term health problems 2. What those problems are and how you can recognize them 3. Wha…
Get Support
- Emotional support can be a powerful tool for both cancer survivors and their families. Talking with others who are in situations like yours can help ease loneliness. You can also get useful ideas from others that might help you. There are many kinds of support programs, including individual or group counseling and support groups. Support in any form allows you to express your feeling…
Bottom Line
- Keep in mind that you are a cancer survivor and remember the good news: You are one of millions of Americans alive today who has had cancer, and the survival rate is improving all the time. Like most of them, you and the people around you can adjust to and lead a fulfilling life after cancer.