Fifth Dimension Table of Contents |
I. Introduction
Introduction |
Introduction
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"There is a doctor inside each patient. (Let us) give the doctor who resides inside a chance to go to work."
Albert Schweitzer, MD
Nobel Prize Winner
The concept of quality of life is difficult to define and is different for each person. Generally, we think of it in terms companionship with family and friends, rewarding work, health and financial security. Through awareness of these factors and others that you define for yourself, we hope to help you maintain or regain your quality of life dispite the many challenges.
As a practicing oncologist for over 40 years, I can tell when an individual is diagnosed with cancer or some life-threatening disease, the feeling of loss of control can be overwhelming. To complicate things even more, the quality of can diminish very quickly when one is fearful, fatigued, while enduring therapeutic side effects, or contemplating the possibility of treatment failure and/or death.
However, by addressing these very real issues and creating support system tailored to meet your needs, you can empower your and body to fully confront your illness. We have consistently seen that patients have more resilience than they believe; they surprise themselves by how tenacious and upbeat can be. In our medical practice we see this phenomenon every day—people drawing on previously untapped reserves of courage and determination to prevail over their illness.
Living With Cancer
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Once you have been diagnosed with cancer, you are probably feeling many emotions, including fear, anxiety, sadness, anger and depression. Your life has suddenly changed, but you are not without the power to maintain or regain your quality of life. You're not alone.
- Factors that will affect you:
- The type and grade of cancer you have, and its
response to therapy
The stage of your disease at the time of your diagnosis
Your mental and physical status before diagnosis
Your attitude toward your disease, including your willingness to make compromises, undergo therapy, and take advantage of supportive care services
The quality of support you receive from your family, friends, and medical team
The extent to which the side effects of your treatment can be controlled
The ultimate success or failure of your treatment
During the years we've been treating cancer patients, we have learned that beyond the conventional treatments used to fight the disease, treatments such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or any combination of these treatments, there is another very important essential concept called Supportive Care. Supportive care includes nutrition, exercise, mind and body control, such as biofeedback, tai chi, and self-hypnosis, individual or group counseling for the patient as well as family/ friends, spiritual guidance and creative pursuits such as art and music.
When evaluating your strengths and weaknesses, and pondering which supportive care services will increase your ability to cope, you should not feel it is a sign of weakness to seek help. On the contrary, it is a sign of strength requiring a high degree of honesty and self-awareness. You must learn to recognize what you need and to take responsibility for getting it. In the process of doing this, you will hone your coping skills and rekindle hope- a powerful weapon in your battle with cancer.
The desired outcome is always to achieve a cure and when not possible, to enable long-term survival with chronic disease. If neither of these results is feasible, the therapeutic goal changes to that of providing appropriate comfort care. In all situations, we believe that supportive care services are not only essential to the quality of life while living with cancer, but that they contribute to the quality of life even during the events that lead to death.
Knowledge Is Power
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Knowledge about your type and grade of cancer, the treatment alternatives, and the proper supportive care is essential. It will allow you to make informed decisions, to anticipate potential problems, and to feel a sense of control over your life.
Your physician will be one of your primary sources of information. It can be difficult, however, to fully absorb all of the details that you might discuss in the course of a consultation with your doctor. It may be helpful to request permission to tape- record these discussions, or to ask a friend or relative to accompany you and take notes. This will enable you to thoroughly review the information at a later time.
Other sources of information include the medical libraries or cancer resource centers that most major hospitals or institutions maintain for their patients. They typically have the latest books and publications. Most of these centers also issue newsletters with up-to-date articles on medical therapy and coping techniques. They also have lectures on supportive care, offer individual and group support sessions, and conduct classes on pertinent subjects. We also suggest that you check out the internet. (See Internet Links)
- Support begins with knowledge:
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Tap into your inner resources; you are stronger than
you think.
Seek support from your medical team, family/friends, and other cancer survivors.
Determine how to enhance your will to live and quality of life.
Make an effort to learn about your illness (through information on the Internet, library books, survivors, support groups, doctors,) and how it may impact your life.
Set short- term goals to attain emotional satisfaction and peace of mind. Often the confrontation of death allows one to appreciate the true meaning of life.
Seek ways to cope with or to overcome physical, emotional, financial obstacles presented by the disease and the side effects of treatment. There are always people you can turn to for help.
Good Medical Care
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It is important to have current, state-of-the-art medical care to help you regain your health. This care should include the most recent advances in medical treatment, up-to-date technology, and an approach that incorporates supportive care. The quality of the doctor-patient relationship and the support of the medical team are vital to maintaining your physical and emotional health.
As well- intentioned and knowledgeable as your doctor is, it is important to recognize that only a part of the healing process is determined by the quality of your medical care. Healing also involves the biology of the illness or the disease process. Some very aggressive cancers may not respond to treatment, even though the medical approach is sound and appropriate. Fate does play a role in our live
First appeared July 10, 2005; updated November 2, 2007