Cancer treatments may stop tumors or symptoms from developing, and can even cure some cancer patients in their early stages. But sometimes, treatments stop working or the cancer reaches a stage where it can't be treated. It is called advanced cancer.
How long you live will depend on a number of factors. This includes how much cancer has spread, and the type of cancer. It's important to understand what you can do when you have advanced cancer, so that you can make the best decisions for yourself.
When an oncologist says "no more chemotherapy"
Many people are surprised when their oncologist says it's time for them to stop chemo. This is a difficult decision. This decision is only possible if the side effects of chemo are severe and do not improve.
The oncologist may also say that your treatment isn't making a difference and you have a low chance of getting rid of the cancer. This is most common with solid tumor cancers such as lung or breast cancer.
Many cancer patients continue to receive chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is often given as part of a combination of other treatment, and it can help shrink tumors and control the spread of cancer. If chemo does not work, your doctor may suggest other therapies or suggest clinical trial to test new ones.
When your chemo isn't working, it can cause some side effects, such as memory problems and fatigue. These side effects can persist for many months or even years after treatment. Talk to your doctor to find out how to deal with these issues. Cognitive exercises can help you retrain your mind and improve your focus.
If you've had a bad reaction to chemo, it can be hard to find new treatment that will help. But don't give up! Exercise, healthy eating, and pain medications are all things that you can do to improve your health.
Chemotherapy not working? Here are some signs
One reason that your cancer could be in an advanced state is if your cancer no longer responds to treatments. This is a common problem with drug-resistant cancers, and it's one of the major reasons researchers are searching for more effective therapies.
This happens because cancer cells can resist the effects of treatment, which means they can grow and multiply. Eventually, cancer cells won't be able self-destruct and the disease progresses.
You may have advanced cancer if you are experiencing serious symptoms like bleeding or severe weight loss. These signs can include severe weakness, difficulty breathing, or pain in your arms, legs, neck or back.
Doctors may recommend additional treatments like radiation therapy to reduce cancer cell growth. Radiation therapy can be used to treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain or bones.
FAQ
What is the difference in a doctor and a practitioner?
A doctor is an individual who has completed his/her training and is licensed to practice medicine. A physician refers to a medical professional that specializes in one area of medicine.
How can I make sure my family has access to quality health care?
Most states will have a department for health, which helps to ensure that everyone has affordable access to health care. There are programs that cover low-income families and their children in some states. For more information, please contact the Department of Health in your state.
What does the expression "healthcare" refer to?
The delivery of services that promote good mental and physical health is called health care.
Statistics
- About 14 percent of Americans have chronic kidney disease. (rasmussen.edu)
- The health share of the Gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to continue its upward trend, reaching 19.9 percent of GDP by 2025. (en.wikipedia.org)
- For the most part, that's true—over 80 percent of patients are over the age of 65. (rasmussen.edu)
- For instance, Chinese hospital charges tend toward 50% for drugs, another major percentage for equipment, and a small percentage for healthcare professional fees. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Healthcare Occupations PRINTER-FRIENDLY Employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.6 million new jobs. (bls.gov)
External Links
How To
How to Locate Home Care Facilities
People who require assistance at home can use home care facilities. This includes elderly people who do not want to leave their homes, disabled people who cannot move around independently, and those who suffer from chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease. The services offered by these facilities include personal hygiene, meal preparation, laundry, cleaning, medication reminders, transportation, etc. They often work with rehabilitation specialists, social workers and medical professionals.
It is best to get recommendations from your friends, family, and local businesses. Once you identify one or two providers, you can ask them about their qualifications and experience. Flexible hours are important so they can work around your schedule. You can also ask if they offer 24-hour emergency service.
Ask your doctor or nurse to refer you. If you don’t know where to begin, search online for “home health care” or “nursing home”. For example, you could use websites like Yelp, Angie's List, HealthGrades, or Nursing Home Compare.
For additional information, contact your local Area Agency on Aging/Visiting Nurse Service Association (VNA). These organizations will have lists of agencies in your area that specialize in providing home care services.
Finding a good home care agency is important because many companies charge high patient fees. Some agencies may charge 100% of a patient’s income. To avoid this problem, you should be sure to choose an agency that has been rated highly by the Better Business Bureau. Ask for references from clients who have used your agency before.
Some states even require homecare agencies that register with the State Department of Social Services. To find out what registration requirements your agency must meet, check with your local government office.
Consider these factors when looking for a homecare agency.
-
Don't pay upfront if you don't want to receive services.
-
Be sure to choose a reliable and established business.
-
Particularly if you pay out-of-pocket, be sure to get proof of insurance.
-
You must ensure that the state licenses your agency.
-
Ask for a written agreement outlining all costs of hiring the agency.
-
Check to confirm that the agency offers follow-up visits following discharge.
-
Ask for a list if credentials and certifications.
-
Never sign anything without having read it.
-
Read any fine print carefully.
-
Verify that the agency is insured and bonded.
-
Ask how long the agency is in operation.
-
Verify that the State Department of Social Welfare has licensed the agency.
-
Find out whether there are any complaints against the agency.
-
For information on home care agencies, contact your local government department.
-
You should ensure that the person answering the phone has the qualifications to answer your questions about homecare.
-
For tax information on home care please consult your accountant.
-
Always get at least three bids for each home care agency you contact.
-
Choose the lowest bid, but do not settle for less than $30 per hour.
-
Keep in mind that you might need to pay more than one home care agency visit per day.
-
When signing contracts, read everything carefully.