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Eric Cohen, RN, OCN
EricRNOCN (Nurse (Verified) )| Communities: Breast Cancer | Answers: 8 |
| Member Since: Jun. 2011 |
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Professional Info
Credential: RN
State Licenses: VA
Specialty: Oncology
Languages: English
Gender: Male
Age: 52
Nursing school: George Mason University
Professional memberships: Oncology Nursing Society
Areas of expertise: Hematology/Medical Oncology, Surivorship Issues, Caregiver Issues, Nutrition during Treatment, Side-effect Management
Research interests: Symptom Management and Complementary Modalities
Awards and publications: Best Research Poster, APOS 2011, Using Complementary Modalities To Improve Symptoms of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Hospital or other affiliation: Life with Cancer/Inova Health System
Webpage:
www.lifewithcancer.org
Twitter
www.twitter.com/ericcohenrn
Personal Bio (My story)
Eric came to Life with Cancer in January 2004 after working as an oncology and bone marrow transplant nurse on the inpatient unit of the Inova Fairfax Cancer Center. As Program Manager of Patient and Family Education, Eric meets with both inpatients and outpatients to discuss their diagnosis, treatment plan, management of side-effects and available resources. Eric is also responsible for developing Life with Cancer’s Web site, social media outlets, and patient teaching materials that are currently used throughout Inova Health System. Additionally, he specializes in issues young adults with cancer face. Eric is an Oncology Certified Nurse and is an active member of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) where he is currently serving at the national level on the ONS Nominating Committee.
City: Falls Church
State: VA
Zip: 22046
Country: USA
EricRNOCN Activities
We do both actually. Our children’s programs mainly focus on kids who have a parent, sibling or grandparent with cancer. Our counselors are pediatric Licensed Clinical Social workers and art therapists. They can talk to parents about what to anticipate from their kids as far as behaviors or questions that the kids might ask. We find that that little bit of preparation makes all the difference. We also offer support/activity groups for kids in different age ranges. Here is a link to a tip sheet for parents:http://www.lifewithcancer.org/friends_family_explaining_cancer.php
New answer by EricRNOCN (Nurse (Verified))
1
Answer |
1 year ago
We hold a Chemo 101 class before treatment begins and not on the same day as chemo is given. I find that while it IS an additional appointment, patients and family members don’t learn well the day chemo is given. Its way to stressful. I usually begin by asking them how they prefer to gather information. “Do you like details, or do you prefer the big picture”. Everyone is different. On our website, you can download the teaching sheets that we developed here for free. There is one on Anemia, Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and a chemotherapy “tip” sheet. Feel free to look at them and use them if you like them.
http://www.lifewithcancer.org/managing_symptoms.php
http://www.lifewithcancer.org/managing_symptoms.php
New answer by EricRNOCN (Nurse (Verified))
1
Answer |
1 year ago
If you are still experiencing weakness in your legs, 7 months after treatment, I encourage you to tell your doctors as soon as possible. It may depend on where (on your body) exactly the radiation was given. But a doctor needs to weigh in on this. This is not typical, 7 months after treatment.
New answer by EricRNOCN (Nurse (Verified))
1
Answer |
1 year ago
Neutropenia after chemotherapy begins shortly after the chemo is given, but neutrophils drop to their lowest point (called the nadir) approximately 7 – 10 days after chemotherapy begins. Once it bottoms out it begins to slowly climb back up to normal, usually just in time for the next round of chemotherapy. So I always tell my patients to take the most precautions in the beginning of the cycle and (if necessary) ease up the few days before your next round. You have to live a little, right? Here is a link to our one page tip sheet on Neutropenia:http://www.lifewithcancer.org/pdfs/english_neutropenia.pdf
New answer by EricRNOCN (Nurse (Verified))
1
Answer |
1 year ago
So just as in an earlier answer about tamoxifen (http://bit.ly/zQCZd3), joint pain is a common complaint with drugs like Femara. Your best defense is regular physical activity, the more you do the better, and stay well hydrated! Keep your joints as flexible as possible. Trying a gentle yoga class can also make you feel better.
New answer by EricRNOCN (Nurse (Verified))
1
Answer |
1 year ago
Breast Cancer survivors do not generally need regular blood tests to monitor disease. But make sure you are seeing your Internist/General Practitioner, at least once a year for a physical. They will order blood tests for your general health.
New answer by EricRNOCN (Nurse (Verified))
1
Answer |
1 year ago
It is not at all uncommon for women to gain weight during Breast Cancer Treatment. For the weight gain you may want to consult with a nutritionist that is familiar with breast cancer treatments. About the joint and back pain: this is a common complaint among our breast cancer survivors during the maintenance phase. If you had a Deep flap or tram flap procedure and that is contributing to your back pain than a physical therapist would be helpful. If not, I would suggest regular intervals of physical activity. Gentle Yoga may be helpful to you. And hydration is important as well. Make sure you drink enough water. The idea on both of these is keeping your joints nice and loose and flexible.
New answer by EricRNOCN (Nurse (Verified)) in topic(s) Weight Management Strategies, Pain Management, Drugs, Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects, Joint Pain, Tamoxifen Side Effect Management, Medication Side Effects, Patient Experiences, Weight Gain, Side Effect Management, Side Effects, Tamoxifen Side Effects, Pain, Breast Cancer Medication Side Effects, Nolvadex (Tamoxifen)
2
Answers |
1 year ago
How about this one: "You have the GOOD kind of cancer"
17
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1 year ago
17
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1 year ago
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