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People with cancer

People with cancer. Linda Miller, RN, OCN MetroHealth Cancer Care Center. Statistics. American Cancer Society estimates for 2014 In US 1,665,540 new cases In US 585,720 deaths In Ohio 67,000 new cases

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People with cancer

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  1. People with cancer Linda Miller, RN, OCN MetroHealth Cancer Care Center

  2. Statistics American Cancer Society estimates for 2014 In US 1,665,540 new cases In US 585,720 deaths In Ohio 67,000 new cases Cancer is the 2nd most common cause of death in the US, responsible for 1 in 4 deaths

  3. Statistics • By 2030 expect 2.3 million new cases annually in US • By 2030 cancer will be leading cause of death • People living at least 5 years after cancer diagnosis • 1970s 50% • Currently 66%

  4. Cancer treatments Modes of treatment Surgery Radiation Chemotherapy Treatment with single mode or multiple modes Example of multi-modal: Breast cancer (radiation to reduce tumor prior to surgery, chemotherapy after surgery)

  5. Chemotherapy • Usually given in outpatient setting • Prevents cancer cells from metastasizing • Systemic therapy • Given intravenously • Destroys good and bad cells • Treatments on set schedule

  6. Radiation therapy Local treatment directed at specific area Treatments scheduled daily, but treatment extends for weeks

  7. Oral chemotherapy • Increasing number of patients receiving oral chemotherapy • PRECAUTIONS NEEDED: • Handled with proper protection including chemo gloves • Keep away from others in secure area

  8. Side effects of therapy Fatigue Nausea/vomiting Diarrhea Fever Skin Pain Other

  9. Side effects of cancer treatment • Fatigue • Most common side effect • Due to decreased red blood cells leading to lower oxygen levels • Inability to perform basic tasks • No over-exertion, conserve energy • Accommodations • Frequent rest periods • Nutritious foods, plenty liquids

  10. Side effects of therapy • Nausea • Anti-nausea medications can prevent vomiting • Nausea triggers • Perfumes and odors • Fried foods, spicy foods, fatty foods, overly sweet foods • Dehydration • Increased risk of nausea • Women • Younger patients • Women with history of morning sickness

  11. Helping people avoid nausea Provide small frequent meals (nausea occurs on an empty stomach) Avoid strong odors Assure availability of anti-nausea medication, encourage to take as prescribed Provide dry crackers/dry toast Avoid spicy, greasy, fatty foods

  12. Helping people with diarrhea Imodium BRAT diet – bananas, rice, applesauce, dry toast Avoid high fiber, high fat, greasy, spicy foods Avoid caffeine, milk, alcohol Increase fluids

  13. People with fever • Due to low blood counts, usually 7 to 10 days after chemo • Observe for temperature increase • First sign of infection • If fever of 100.4°F or 38°C (have thermometer available) • To ER or call oncologist on duty

  14. Infection precautions • Chemotherapy patients can reside in general population shelter, but away from ill people • Dependent on instructions from physician • Provide isolation if necessary

  15. Skin problems • Especially for people receiving radiation therapy • Redness of skin • Provide Eucerin, Aquaphor

  16. People with pain • Treat with medication • Opioids • Keep in secure place!

  17. Other side effects Less frequent side effects related to attack on the “good cells” • Alopecia • May use head covering, even at night • Numbness in fingers • Difficulty feeling, holding things • Stomatitis

  18. Questions to ask • If a shelter resident identifies as a person being treated for cancer, ask about • Pain medicine • Anti-nausea medicine • Oral chemotherapy • Personal supplies: ostomy bags, etc. • Time and place of next treatment

  19. Have available Rest area Nutritious foods Fluids (water, juice, Gatorade, popsicles, Jell-O) Imodium Thermometer

  20. End of life concerns • Understanding prognosis • patients continue to "hope" - requesting more treatments • Ask person (and listen to the answers) what care or treatment will be needed in the shelter and how best to provide the care • Ask if caregiver is with person • Ask about others providing care • Ask about advanced directives

  21. End of life concerns – symptom control Pain – adequate pain control Secretions – control and/or managing secretions Constipation – adequate hydration, stool softeners Anxiety – medication, comforting environment, caregivers Dyspnea (difficulty breathing) – positioning, oxygen

  22. POD related information • Per CDC – no live vaccines • Herpes Zoster (shingles) • Flu mist (nasal spray) • Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) • Smallpox • Yellow fever • Chicken pox

  23. Thank you Questions? Comments?

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