Some cancer treatments are able to stop tumors from spreading or causing any symptoms. In addition, they can cure those patients who have cancer in its early stages. Sometimes treatments fail or cancer progresses to a stage that can't even be treated. It is called advanced cancer.
The type of cancer and how much it has spread will determine your lifespan. If you are diagnosed with advanced cancer, it is important to make informed decisions.
When oncologist advises against chemo
Many people have been shocked when their oncologist told them that it's now time to stop the chemotherapy. It can be difficult to make this decision. But it can be made if you have serious side effects from chemo that don't improve and your cancer is very advanced.
Your oncologist could also tell you your treatment isn’t working, and that you have little chance of curing the cancer. This is especially true for cancers with solid tumours, like lung, colon, or breast cancer.
In spite of this, many cancer patients still receive chemotherapy. It is given in conjunction with other treatments to shrink tumors and stop the spread of cancer. If chemo does not work, your doctor may suggest other therapies or suggest clinical trial to test new ones.
If your chemo doesn't work, you may experience side effects such as fatigue and memory problems. These side effects can persist for many months or even years after treatment. Your doctor can suggest cognitive exercises to help improve concentration and retrain the brain.
You may have a hard time finding a treatment that works if your chemo had an adverse reaction. But don't give up! You can also manage your symptoms by exercising, eating healthily, or taking pain medication.
Signs that Chemo doesn't Work
Another reason your cancer might be in the advanced stages is that your cancer has stopped responding to treatments. It's a problem that is common with cancers resistant to drugs. This is one of the main reasons why researchers are looking for better treatments.
It happens because cancerous cells can resist the treatment. This means that they can grow and multiplie. Cancer cells can eventually no longer kill themselves.
You may have advanced cancer if you are experiencing serious symptoms like bleeding or severe weight loss. These symptoms can include severe fatigue, difficulty breathing or pain in your neck, back, arms or legs.
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
Who is responsible?
All levels of government are responsible for public health. Local governments oversee roads, schools parks, parks, and recreation centers. Both the state and national governments create laws and regulations for food safety, workplace safety and consumer protection.
What are the major functions of a system for health care?
The health system must provide quality medical services at affordable prices to all people.
This includes providing preventive healthcare, promoting healthy lifestyles, as well as appropriate treatment. It also involves providing an equitable distribution of health resources.
What do we need to know about health insurance?
You should always keep track of the policy documents if you have insurance for health. If you have any questions, make sure to ask. Ask your provider questions or call customer support if you don't get it.
When you use your insurance, remember to use the deductible on your plan. Your deductible is the amount that you have to pay before your insurance covers the rest of the bill.
What's the difference between a doctor, and a physician?
A doctor is a person who has successfully completed their training and is licensed to practice medically. A physician is a doctor who specializes in a particular area of medicine.
Statistics
- Foreign investment in hospitals—up to 70% ownership- has been encouraged as an incentive for privatization. (en.wikipedia.org)
- 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)
- About 14 percent of Americans have chronic kidney disease. (rasmussen.edu)
- Price Increases, Aging Push Sector To 20 Percent Of Economy". (en.wikipedia.org)
- For the most part, that's true—over 80 percent of patients are over the age of 65. (rasmussen.edu)
External Links
How To
How to Locate Home Care Facilities
Home care facilities assist people who require help at home. Home care facilities assist those with chronic illnesses, such as Alzheimer's, who can't move or are too elderly to leave their home. These facilities offer services such as personal hygiene, meal preparation and laundry, cleaning, medication reminders, transportation, and so on. They often collaborate with rehabilitation specialists, social workers, and medical professionals.
It is best to get recommendations from your friends, family, and local businesses. Once you have found a couple of providers, it is time to get in touch with them to learn more about their qualifications. It is important to find a provider who can work flexible hours in order to fit your schedule. You can also ask if they offer 24-hour emergency service.
It might be worth asking your doctor/nurse for referrals. If you're not sure where to start, try searching the internet for "home health care" and "nursing house". Websites like Yelp or Angie's List, HealthGrades and Nursing Home Compare are some examples.
You may also call your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or Visiting Nurse Service Association (VNA) for additional information. These organizations will have lists of agencies in your area that specialize in providing home care services.
Because many home care agencies charge high fees, it is essential to choose a reliable agency. Some agencies may charge 100% of a patient’s income. You can avoid this by choosing an agency that is highly rated by the Better Business Bureau. Ask for references of previous clients.
Some states require home care agencies registered with the State Department of Social Services. To find out what registration requirements your agency must meet, check with your local government office.
When choosing a home-care agency, there are several things you should keep in mind:
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Be cautious of companies that require you to pay upfront in order to receive services.
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Look for a reputable and well-established business.
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Get proof of insurance, especially if you're paying out of pocket.
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Verify that the state has granted the agency license.
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For all costs related to hiring the agency, request a written contract.
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Confirm that the agency provides follow-up visits after discharge.
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Ask for a list with certifications and credentials.
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Do not sign anything without reading it first.
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Pay attention to the fine print.
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Verify that the agency is insured and bonded.
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Ask how long this agency has been around.
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Verify that the State Department of Social Welfare licenses the agency.
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Find out if complaints have been filed against the agency.
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Call your local government department that regulates home care agencies.
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Check that the answering service is certified to answer questions regarding home care.
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Talk to your accountant or attorney about the tax implications for home care.
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Always obtain at least three quotes for every agency providing home care services.
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The lowest bid is the best but you should not settle for $30 an hour.
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Keep in mind that you might need to pay more than one home care agency visit per day.
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Read everything before signing any contracts.