--Two clinical trials suggest promise for using these medications in combination with other cancer therapies Two clinical trials using combinations of drugs meant to change cancer epigentics —or the way tumors express genes — failed at shrinking colon and breast tumors. However, these trials open the door for others currently in the works to combine […]
treatment
Advanced Cancer Patients Should Receive Palliative Care Soon After Diagnosis, Guidelines Suggest
Posted by | treatmentPatients with advanced cancer should see a dedicated palliative care team composed of a doctor, advanced practice nurse, social worker and chaplain starting early in their diagnosis, according to guidelines issued by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), says the Johns Hopkins doctor who is the senior author. These guidelines, say Thomas J. Smith, […]
What does palliative care during my cancer treatment do for my family caregivers?
Posted by | caregiving, treatmentPalliative care isn’t just for cancer patients. The palliative care team can support your family and caregivers as well as you during your cancer treatment. Our expert team can provide your family and caregivers: A communication bridge to facilitate communication between you, your family and your treatment team; Relief for the stress, worry and sadness […]
Does palliative care help me with more than cancer pain?
Posted by | caregiving, treatmentWhile pain relief is important, relief of other symptoms such as nausea, fatigue and shortness of breath also may be a part of your palliative care. You might seek palliative care for emotional, social or spiritual support, rather than for your physical pain or symptoms. Care teams include experts such as physicians, nurses, social workers […]
When can I receive palliative care during my cancer treatment?
Posted by | caregiving, treatmentWhen you’re a cancer patient, every day matters. To ease your symptoms and stress, you may receive palliative care, if appropriate, right from the time of your diagnosis. You also can ask your doctor or nurse for your palliative care options at any point during your treatment, since palliative care can be coupled with curative […]
How do I decide whether to seek palliative care as a cancer patient?
Posted by | caregiving, treatmentWhen you’re considering palliative care as part of your cancer treatment, consider these criteria for deciding whether it’s right for you. How severe is your illness? Palliative care addresses serious or chronic diseases, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, and Alzheimer’s, among many other diseases. Do you need emotional, physical or spiritual support? Palliative care isn’t just for […]
What is palliative care and what does it mean for me as a cancer patient?
Posted by | caregiving, treatmentAccording to experts at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, palliative care is “ease without curing.” Its focus is improving the quality of life for seriously ill patients, helping you to carry on with your daily life while you undergo treatment, and helping you tolerate medical treatments. Palliative care includes three key approaches: • pain […]
Does your income qualify for Social Security disability? What cancer patients need to know
Posted by | caregiving, treatment, UncategorizedSupplemental Security Income guidelines are set by the federal government for all 50 states, according to social workers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Income may include your wages, Social Security benefit payments, and pensions. It also includes resources like real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks and bonds, and food and shelter. Your total monthly income, […]
Do you qualify for Social Security disability as a cancer patient? 5 tests
Posted by | caregiving, Issues & Perspectives, treatment, UncategorizedSocial Security pays benefits for a medical condition that is expected to last for at least a year, or may result in death. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) supports the aged, blind or disabled who have little or no income, providing cash for basics like food, clothing and shelter. According to social workers at the Johns Hopkins […]
What to ask for when you need spiritual help in your cancer journey
Posted by | treatment, UncategorizedYou need a companion on your cancer journey, and you can expect your spiritual emotions to change as your cancer changes, says Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center Chaplain Rhonda Cooper. She offers these do’s and don’ts as a guide to what to ask for when you need spiritual help during your cancer treatment: Don’t apologize […]