Our wonderful director here at Grace, Carlea asked me to ask you,
GRACE is preparing to film videos for patients that deal with the problems that arise from cancer treatment - things like pain management, shortness of breath, depression, and caregiver/family needs. What videos do you think we should create?
And I'll start. How do you move on being a different person who can no longer do what you once did. It's not only about the physical limitations of a new body but about living daily with the notion of how your next scan can change your life.
It's both a psychological issue and a physical one.
Where do we find pros who have specialties in this area?
I think that a discussion of the potential role of symptom management specialists and how to find them is a great idea.
-Dr. West
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Dr. Howard (Jack) West
Medical Oncologist
City of Hope Cancer Center
Duarte, CA
Founder & President
Global Resource for Advancing
Cancer Education
I would be interested in the psychological aspects surrounding the issue on how to mentally come to terms with having cancer, for example:
(1) how to find acceptance of the condition
(2) how to continue living as normally and as happily as possible without mental affliction
(3) how to have an honest discussion with loved ones on the present and the future
I like all the suggestions. I would add, have patients model, with guidance, how to ask difficult questions of their doctors.
What kind of questions? About prognosis? What will it be like as the cancer progresses? About getting a second opinion?
-Dr. West
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dr. Howard (Jack) West
Medical Oncologist
City of Hope Cancer Center
Duarte, CA
Founder & President
Global Resource for Advancing
Cancer Education
.
Pain management topic.. including regular reviews by Oncologist/pharmacist of all medications -especially when situation changes or new meds added.
How to maximize your time with your Health care team and tips on how to bring to attention of team when issues of communication between professionals impact on treatment plan.
Vignettes by exercise, skin care, hair /scalp care, and other type experts to help deal with the effects of cancer.
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