Cancer Care

By Lucille Hall

The purpose of this workbook is to provide a navigational guide, no matter what kind of cancer you are treating. Although the amount of information can seem overwhelming, what you need, step-by-step, can be organized and streamlined into a manageable to-do list. I've included templates to assist you when speaking with your physicians: Show me where my tumor is located. Show me where you are placing a central line or port. Let me show you where my pain is coming from. Take this book with you to the doctor's office, radiation, infusion clinic, pharmacy, and grocery store.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Nov 29, 2010
• ISBN: 9781456820749

Lucille Hall

My name is Lucy Hall. I have worked in pharmacy for nearly fifteen years and in oncology for over ten years. At Fountain Valley Cancer Center Pharmacy, we interact directly with patients, physicians, and caregivers to provide a knowledgeable, experienced safety net: What to expect. What to ask. How to prevent problems common with a suppressed immune system. Remaining as independent as possible for as long as possible. I believe my degree in botany gives me a unique perspective of the herb and supplement aisle. Take this book with you to the doctor’s office, radiation, infusion, pharmacy, and grocery store. Feel better!

Book preview

With Gratitude

Stanley Carson MD

Marc Horwitz RPh, owner Fountain Valley Cancer Center Pharmacy and Fountain Valley Medical Center Pharmacy-my employer and mentor for twelve-plus years

Sheldon Barasch MD, Biopathology and Research- for friendship, kindness and support

Kamini Malhotra MD, Biopathology and Research- for friendship, kindness and support

Jean and Monte Bell, Yorkshire, England

Winston Chen MD, Internal Medicine- my personal physician

David Cassidy MD, Radiology and Special Imaging Oncology

Donald Karon MD, Radiation Oncology

Robert Woodhouse MD, Radiation Oncology

Afshan Ali-Nazir MD, Pediatric Oncology

Arno Mundt MD, Research Oncology

Ina Planas MD, Internal Medicine-Hematology-Oncology

Khai Vu MD, Oncology and Hematology

Haresh Jhangiani MD, Oncology and Hematology

Bichlien Nguyen MD, Oncology and Hematology

Charles Walworth MD, Special Immunology and Research

Paul Cimoch MD, Special Immunology and Research

Marsha Fink MD, Oncology and Hematology

Glen Justice MD, Hematology-Oncology-Internal Medicine

Joseph Cruise MD, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

John Villano MD, PhD, Oncology and Hematology

Jason M. Sobel MD, Hospice and Palliative Medicine

Fernando Goldenberg MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neuro-Surgery, University of Chicago

M. Kelly Nicholas MD, PhD, Director of Neuro-Oncology Services University of Chicago

Donna, my Mom, unconditional love, sharing, and hope

Philip, my husband, for everything, everyday

Joseph, my dad, at rest June 9th, 2008

My little brothers Louis and James, for ego, trust, support, and humor

My little brother Joey, at rest May 15th 2009

No words left unspoken, no deeds left undone, no love left ungiven, Brother, Husband, Son. You are missed.

Cancer Care

Cancer Care

Coaching Yourself or

Someone You Love

Lucille Hall CPhT

Copyright © 2010 by Lucille Hall CPhT.

ISBN:          Ebook          978-1-4568-2074-9

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This book was created in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

90058

Contents

With Gratitude

Chapter 1

Diagnosis, Pathology, Treatment Decisions

Chapter 2

Tests

Chapter 3

The Medicine Cabinet

Chapter 4

At Home

Chapter 5

Radiation Oncology

Chapter 6

Chemo

Chapter 7

Port, PICC line, and Central Venous Access

Chapter 8

Pain

Chapter 9

Side Effects

Chapter 1

Diagnosis, Pathology, Treatment Decisions

Welcome.

No matter where you are in the process—biopsy, radiation, chemotherapy, or recovery—it all started with a diagnosis. Let’s go back to the beginning and review some of the most critical information of your life.

My diagnosis is ____________________________

Print it phonetically so you can repeat it as needed. You can check spelling later.

Was there a tumor board review?

Yes, several doctors, pathologists, and surgeons reviewed your slides and/or symptoms.

The review or report summary should be in your possession. If you do not have a copy, get one. Your oncologist and radiation therapist should have this information prior to any treatment plan. So should you. Some of the pathology information will affect your recovery and longevity options. For example, if your breast cancer is estrogen receptor positive, but not testosterone positive, your comfort and later life options are expanded, but specific. Speak to whichever oncologist you choose about your pathology report. Although later may seem far away or unimportant, having the information increases your knowledgeability and options.

No. Who made the diagnosis?

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What’s next? Your regular physician probably told you whom to see. Someone in his or her group. Someone they know.

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Get an outside opinion. This is critical. Find a doctor whose specialty is related to your diagnosis.

How? Call the member services telephone number on your