Educational Resources

 I can help you to review and understand your biopsy pathology and cancer staging, in addition to radiology and lab results using simpler terms. Hence, you will be better knowledgeable of your situation,  more likely to comply with your recommended treatment, and able to make educated care decisions.

Resources: 

http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/before-and-after/patients-guide-to-the-cancer-experience.aspx

http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/what-is-chemotherapy/chemotherapy-terms.aspx

http://chemocare.com/docs/self-help/preparing-for-chemotherapy.pdf

 You may have questions or feel uncertain about your cancer diagnosis and treatment recommendations after your initial oncology visit.  In order to proceed with your regimen, you may be considering a second opinion to help either confirm the results from the initial provider visit or to possibly enlighten you to other options appropriate to your situation.  I can guide  you to choosing a  reputable physician to conduct the second opinion and offer education for possible options  available through your healthcare insurance provider.  You may be able to get a second opinion at a center of excellence facility depending on your insurance carrier.  Sometimes an oncology group has a special arrangement with top physicians at centers of excellence facilities like MD Anderson wherein they can consult with the appropriate physician regarding the patient's cancer.  There is no extra charge for the consult; and having this service usually draws a lot of clients.  So you may expect a longer wait at the office because of the high volume of patients.  Also, some healthcare insurance coverage includes second opinion and primary cancer treatment at a center of excellence facility as a part of their cancer benefits (centers of excellence facilities (COE) listed under COE tab). Know what all your healthcare insurance covers.  

Resource:

http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/before-and-after/patients-guide-to-the-cancer-experience.aspx 

 Going through cancer therapy is best approached with education to enhance treatment compliance. It is a good idea to learn how to collaborate with your healthcare providers and cancer advocates. You will need to understand how treatment works and how to keep up with your progress which will be evaluated with laboratory and radiology results, as well as physical progress and symptoms.  This website can provide additional information to be used as discussion points at your provider visits. You will have access to information through the knowledge library, email, and via the blog should you need to discuss any concerns and request resources. You can also share your knowledge and experience in the blog area which could help others.  Please see my contact information listed under the contact tab. 

Resource:

http://chemocare.com/docs/self-help/cbc.pdf

 Although treatment for cancer can mean different or individualized goals,  a common one for the patient is to recover in between chemotherapy infusions and/or radiation therapy in a timely manner to avoid delay of future treatments.  You can find information on this website for how to stay strong and prevent infections while undergoing treatment.  The information can also be utilized as discussion points at physician visits. 

Resource:

http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/what-is-chemotherapy/the-immune-system.aspx

 At the core of effective radiation, chemotherapy, and other cancer treatment modalities is having and maintaining a good appetite. I can provide suggestions for you regarding how and what to eat to sustain your weight and energy during and after treatment. 

Resource:

http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/health-wellness/managing-nutrition-during-cancer-and-treatment.aspx

 Treatment for cancer usually involves chemotherapy and/or radiation which may have unwelcomed side effects like hair loss, fatigue, dysgeusia, chemo brain, and neuropathy or nerve damage as a result of the type of chemotherapeutic drug being used. 

 I can educate and provide suggestions regarding how to minimize the effects when caught in a timely manner; give you information regarding free and low priced wigs and lymphedema sleeves; cancer massages; physical therapy; and nutrition classes.  I can also provide cancer resources to include how to get access to compassionate care drug programs and other financial resources.

Resources:

http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/hair-loss-and-chemotherapy.aspx

http://chemocare.com/resources.aspx