Joanne Frankel Kelvin, Leslie B. Tyson - 100 Questions and Answers About Cancer Symptoms and Cancer Treatment Side Effects, Second Edition (2010).pdf

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CONTENTS Preface vii Part One: Cancer and Cancer Treatment 1 Questions 1–15 describe cancer and various cancer treatments, including: • What is cancer? • Why does cancer cause symptoms? �... � What are the treatments for cancer? Part Two: Getting Information and Making Decisions 31 Questions 16–24 discuss strategies for making informed decisions about treatment, including: • How can I be sure to get the information I want from my doctor? • How can I find clinical trials that might be appropriate for me? • I feel so overwhelmed by all the information I’m getting. How do I make decisions about my treatment? Part Three: Comfort, Activity, and Sleep 49 Questions 25–34 discuss options for improving your comfort and quality of life during cancer treatment: • Will I have pain? What are the options available to treat my pain? • I feel tired much of the time. What can I do to increase my energy? • Can I exercise? Part Four: Blood Counts and Skin Problems 71 Questions 35–45 address common concerns about avoiding infection and caring for your skin and hair, including: • I have heard that chemotherapy may cause drops in my blood counts. What does this mean? • What do I do if my red blood cell count is low? • What is shingles? Is there a vaccine for shingles, and should I get it?Part Five: Problems with Breathing, Nutrition, Digestion, and Urination 91 Questions 46–61 discuss ways to cope with effects of treatment on breathing, nutrition, digestion, and elimination, including: • How do I know if I need oxygen? • What can I do to increase my appetite and maintain my weight? • What can I do for mouth sores? Part Six: Appearance and Sexual Issues 127 Questions 62–69 discuss changes in personal appearance and sexual health brought on by cancer treatment, such as: • I have gained weight from my cancer treatment. What can I do to lose weight? • I don’t feel the desire to be sexually intimate with my partner the way I used to. What can I do to maintain our relationship? • Will I be able to conceive a child after treatment? Part Seven: Neurologic Problems, Fluid Retention, and Blood Chemistry 147 Questions 70–81 describe problems related to nerves, blood and blood vessels, and fluid buildup, including: • What is cerebral edema? How is this managed? • Why are my legs swollen? What can I do to minimize the swelling? • I have heard that some people can get diabetes from their treatment. How is this diagnosed and treated? Part Eight: Other Health-Related Issues 175 Questions 82–87 address other health concerns not directly related to the cancer symptoms or treatment side effects, such as: • I get a flu shot every year. Should I get one now that I am getting treated for cancer? • Can I drink alcohol? • Should I stop smoking? Part Nine: Emotional and Social Concerns 185 Questions 88–100 address emotional effects, social impacts, and caretaker concerns regarding cancer and cancer treatment, including: • How can I better cope with having cancer? iv 1 0 0 Q & A A B O U T C A N C E R S Y M P T O M S A N D C A N C E R T R E A T M E N T S I D E E F F E C T Sv 1 0 0 Q & A A B O U T C A N C E R S Y M P T O M S A N D C A N C E R T R E A T M E N T S I D E E F F E C T S • How do I go on with my life and start feeling “normal” again? • How can I talk with my family and friends about my cancer? Appendix 215 Glossary 217 Index 225 Contents PREFACE Receiving a diagnosis of cancer presents numerous challenges: learning about your disease, selecting the physicians who will care for you, and making decisions about your treatment. Then come the day-today challenges: integrating the treatment schedule into your life, coping with the symptoms and side effects of the treatments, and finally making the transition to being a cancer survivor [Show More]

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