Click here for CCNC's Patient Events Calendar
Living with Cancer, Dealing with Cancer
Thousands of patients have taught us that living
with cancer is difficult. Basically, when a person
first learns that he/she has cancer, the primary
concern is survival. As treatment begins, however,
new issues become important. Some of these include
relationships, side effects from treatments, nutrition
and diet. Unquestionably, living with cancer is a
challenge. So we'd like to fill you in on issues
surrounding cancer survival to help live fully and
productively.
Sexuality and Cancer
Sexuality is an important part of everyday
life, but a healthy sex life can be difficult to
maintain when cancer affects you both physically
and emotionally. Feelings about sexuality affect
our zest for living, our self-image and our relationships
with others. Yet patients and doctors often do not
talk about the effects of cancer treatment on sexuality.
You have a right to know how your treatment affects
nutrition, pain and your ability to return to work,
as well as your sexual health. The first step to
learning more about sexuality and cancer is to discuss
the topic with your doctor or other members of the
healthcare team. If you do not feel comfortable talking
to your physician or nurse or if you simply want
more information on sexuality and cancer, visit the
American Cancer Society website.
Diet and Nutrition
Cancer patients may find it difficult to maintain
healthy eating habits. Depression, anxiety, stress
and chemical changes caused by the cancer can lead
to a loss of appetite. In addition, patients experiencing
side effects from surgery, chemotherapy and radiation
therapy may need special nutrition. Cancer patients
can prevent weight loss and malnutrition by making
an effort to eat the right amount of food rich in
calories, protein, vitamins and minerals. Your healthcare
professional should be able to address any questions
you have about nutrition and diet. Helpful cookbooks
written for people with cancer feature dishes high
in protein and calories; they are available in most
bookstores.
Hospice Care
Hospice care focuses on providing compassionate
care for persons in the last phases of incurable
disease so that they may live as fully and comfortably
as possible. A hospice affirms life and neither hastens
nor postpones death. Hospice care treats the person,
not the disease; and emphasizes quality, rather than
length of life. Hospice care is appropriate when
the patient can no longer benefit from curative treatment
and may be provided in the patient's home or in a
facility that offers hospice care. Together, the
patient, family and doctor determine the time when
hospice services should begin and which program is
best.
|
