Some of this information may be relevant if you’re continuing treatment for a blood disorder. You should ask your physician and treatment team to answer any questions you have since we’ll be talking mostly about cancer treatment in this section.
If you’re a cancer patient, your course of treatment is now well under way. Treatment can last anywhere from a few weeks, months or years. In the case of chemotherapy, your treatment may be interspersed with break periods. It depends entirely upon your type of cancer, its stage, and the specific treatment plan.
At each treatment session, a medical assistant will take your vital signs. These measurements are monitored closely during your treatment with detailed records and charts. Feel free, by the way, to ask questions about these records and what they mean. With chemotherapy, the treatment may affect you in various ways such as hair loss, nausea, or a change in appetite or blood count. Your OHOA team will scrutinize your readings and adjust the schedule or timing of your treatment, if necessary, to alleviate any side effects.
Hair loss is usually one of the biggest concerns of our patients. Let’s face it, we are all quite emotionally attached to our hair. Some drugs are more likely to cause hair loss than others, so talk to members of your treatment team about the likelihood. Rest assured, it’s typical for hair to grow back completely over time. Until then, most people use wigs and hats to cope with the change. Don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions and help on this matter.
Once your vital signs are taken, you will be prepared for your IV (if you are taking intravenous drugs for chemotherapy). At this stage, your treatment will seem relatively routine (or as routine as cancer treatment can be, anyway). You will, more than likely, have formed bonds with other patients undergoing treatment, as well as the nurses involved. You will be made as comfortable as possible and set up for any anti-nausea medication that you may require. With all of the advancements in medication, there aren’t many reasons to get nauseous anymore.
You
will undoubtedly have questions during the course of your treatment. You
can call our office and speak to a member of your treatment team. One of
the many unique features of OHOA is the availability of nurse
practitioners. They are highly-trained professionals who combine the
accessibility of a nurse with the ability to perform exams, treat illnesses
and prescribe medications. A nurse practitioner will always be available,
and is a powerful addition to the treatment team headed by your physician.
During your ongoing treatment, we can refer you to a wide variety of resources — qualified Web sites, individuals in our office or in associated hospitals — if you have any questions. There is a large, knowledgeable and dedicated support staff who are truly there to help you. Administrative professionals will assist with billing issues and scheduling requirements as well. To make your treatment as convenient as possible, we also have many offices if you feel the need to change a treatment location.
Throughout the process, you have the power to set the pace of your treatment. Keep in mind, though, that strength does not mean doing everything by yourself. Those who really care about you need to be allowed to do something — anything — to satisfy their need to somehow contribute. The ability to acknowledge that you need help is both a sign of strength and intelligence, because it not only taps the resources available to you, it also makes life much more pleasant. Be honest about your feelings and learn how to ask for help. The key is to not let cancer stop you from living your life. OHOA will be with you every step of the way.
