What are the areas where cancer patients going through treatment need the most education and support?

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SherylNessRNOCN (Nurse (Verified) ) - 05 / 24 / 2012

Just prior to treatment starting and the first 2-3 weeks of treatment are probably the most challenging time periods. Patients and their families are trying to keep up with chemotherapy or radiation schedules, blood tests, timelines, and side effect management. It can be a time when the reality of their cancer diagnosis sets in. Patients start to feel the side effects of treatment and their daily life and schedule changes dramatically. This is the time when new learning is taking place almost daily. Education and resources on what to expect during treatment are vital during this time. It is important that patients and their support persons understand common and unusual side effects from treatment, when to call the health care team (for example with neutropenia and fever), hair and skin care issues, any special diet to follow and other precautions. The other period when education and support are needed is when treatment is ending. Patients may feel at a loss when they no longer have the close connection and frequent check-in visits with the health care team. Support and resources on what to expect during this period of survivorship are also important to remember.
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