Join Now
Sign In
What are some things you may say to patients just beginning chemotherapy treatments to help alleviate anxiety?
Topic Tags:
Topic Tags:
Diseases:
Diseases:
1
Expert Answers
TheresaBrownRN (Nurse (Verified) ) - 05 / 22 / 2012
I talk a lot about symptom management. I say the mental image patients have of chemotherapy meaning constant nausea and vomiting is not how it should be and that we have lots of really good anti-nausea meds now. I tell them symptom severity comes in a spectrum so they won’t necessarily have side effects or they may be pretty manageable. I also ask them to let us know about any and all reactions—nausea and vomiting, rashes, pain, dizziness, constipation—so that we can track how they’re doing. Finally, for people who are outpatient, I encourage a call to the doctor whenever the patient has a concern. A nurse or nurse practitioner or physician assistant from the office will probably take the call and either reassure the patient that what they’re feeling, while unpleasant, is normal, or prescribe a different drug or dose of drug for symptom management, or tell the patient his symptoms can’t be managed outpatient and he needs to come in to the hospital.
Similar Questions
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Add Answer
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Share Conversation
To tell people about this conversation, type their email addresses here (separated by commas):
From:
Add a personal note here:
Cancer Updates
Sign up for our
All Cancers
updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts.
Ads keep TalkAboutHealth freeadvertisement
Similar Questions
Updates
Sign up for email updates of the latest news, best answers, and featured experts.
Benefits
Custom health, wellness, & medical offers from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities & new programs.
SHARE Support
1) Call SHARE at: 866-891-2392
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
3 Quick Ways You Can Help
1) Spread the word! Tell people you think might want some support. Tell medical professionals, health providers, and organizations.
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
View All Newsletters
