Dealing With A Diagnosis: CANCER - Home Care Can Help, Kansas City

A diagnosis of cancer is probably pretty high up on most people's lists of fears, even with the knowledge that in today's society, there are sometimes effective treatments. The trouble is that oftentimes the focus of care lies in just treating the cancer rather than the person, and many questions go unanswered or unasked. Will staying at home be possible or are extended hospital stays the only option? What will the treatments be like? Is there a particular diet to follow? American Companion Care hopes to be a helpful resource for care in our community and a conduit to helping people get the answers they seek when faced with cancer.

Cancer affects the lives of many in our local community, and coping with the disease is never easy. There are the natural feelings of anxiety or fear regarding the disease, or guilt for having cancer and causing additional burdens on their loved ones. Some may even become angry at their own limitations while sick, and act resentful towards their caregiver or loved ones. "I always encourage someone with cancer to communicate his or her thoughts and feelings to the ones caring for him or her," said Sheril Herman, Vice President and co-owner of American Companion Care. "Keeping communication open will help a caregiver to understand what help is (or is not) desired as well as relieve some of the emotional pressures that may be building up."

It is equally important to keep an open line of communication with one's doctor. The process of chemotherapy and radiation treatment can be daunting and confusing, and it is normal to have a lot of questions. To help calm fears of the unknown, find out as much information as possible about the specific treatments and write down questions before an appointment. The following tips can assist cancer patients in talking to their doctors about chemo:

• Find out why you're receiving chemo (what the chemo hopes to accomplish)
• Ask how the chemo will be administered
• Talk with the doctor or nurse about the treatment schedule, and request a written copy of it as well
• Talk with the doctor or nurse about possible side effects and suggested ways to manage them
• Find out information about clinical trials, and request contact information if applicable.

Cancer affects the lives of many in our local community, and coping with the disease is difficult. When facing a cancer diagnosis, a person's fear and anxiety concerning the disease often cause many questions to remain unasked. The weight of these unknowns, such as options for care, various treatment methods, and possible diet modifications, can cause unnecessary apprehension.

Take this worksheet to your next Doctor's appointment and use it as a tool to record answers to these important questions. Click Here for this free resource.

Cancer can be scary.  For this reason, American Companion Care hopes to be a helpful resource for cancer care in our community and a conduit to helping people find the answers they seek. Please refer to the release below for helpful tips on coping and care after a cancer diagnosis. If you have any questions or would like to speak with me to learn more about care for someone with cancer, please Contact Us or call (913)390-6300.