Pain
Symptoms: Burning; tingling; aching; stabbing sensation
Cause: Pain can occur when tumors press on nerves or organs, and can also be caused by radiation, chemotherapy and surgery that results in nerve damage, mouth sores or other painful side effects
Treatment/Intervention: Opioids [morphine; codeine; OxyContin® (oxycodone), Duragesic® (fentanyl)]; anticonvulsants [Neurontin® (gabapentin)]; antidepressants; Prialt® (ziconotide); nerve blocks; radiation therapy; integrative treatments, such as relaxation techniques, acupuncture and hypnosis
Fatigue
Symptoms: Lack of energy; feeling tired even after a good night’s sleep; difficulty concentrating; irritability
Cause: Anemia; depression; thyroid dysfunction; new research shows that women with a history of breast cancer and chronic fatigue may have overactive immune systems that do not shut down after treatment
Treatment/Intervention: Erythropoietin for anemia; exercise; stimulants [Ritalin® (methylphenidate); Provigil® (modafinil)]; antidepressants
Neuropathy
Symptoms: Numbness; tingling sensation; muscle weakness; pain in the extremities
Cause: Damage to peripheral nerves can result from cancer, radiation or chemotherapy drugs, including Taxol® (paclitaxel), Oncovin® (vincristine) and Velcade® (bortezomib)
Treatment/Intervention: Anticonvulsants [Neurontin® (gabapentin)]; antidepressants [nortriptyline; Elavil® (amitriptyline)]; Lidoderm® (lidocaine patch); drug-free options include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and acupuncture
Lymphedema
Symptoms: Swelling and pain in the affected area
Cause: When lymph nodes are removed or damaged by radiation, anything that causes an increase in lymphatic activity, such as injury, infection or overuse, can lead to a backup of fluid in the tissues “downstream” from the missing nodes
Treatment/Intervention: Manual lymph drainage [a type of massage]; compression device to reduce swelling; keeping the area healthy and free of cuts, infection or overexertion
Bone Loss
Symptoms: Bone pain; susceptibility to fractures and breaks
Cause: A change in hormone levels, such as suddenly stopping hormone therapy; bone metastases, which cause small holes in the bone or a calcium buildup that increases the risk of fractures or breaks; and cancer cells, which release factors that stimulate osteoclasts (cells that break down bone tissue)
Treatment/Intervention: Bisphosphonates [Actonel® (risedronate); Fosamax® (alendronate); Zometa® (zoledronic acid)]; selective estrogen receptor modulators [Evista® (raloxifene); tamoxifen]
Sexual Dysfunction
Symptoms: Loss of sexual desire or libido; erectile dysfunction; painful intercourse
Cause: Reduced hormone levels due to surgery or treatment; prostatectomy; depression
Treatment/Intervention: Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors [Viagra® (sildenafil); Levitra® (vardenafil); Cialis® (tadalafil)]; penile prosthesis; prostaglandin penile injections; vacuum erection devices; counseling
Extending Healing Commitment to a Cancer Community
April 30th 2024It is Meaghan’s unwavering dedication to supporting children and families during a parent’s illness, along with her willingness to take her direct patient care to practices within her professional position and her community service, that allow me to say Meaghan is truly an extraordinary healer deserving of this honor.
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The Essence of Remarkable Cancer Care
April 29th 2024This year marks the 18th year that CURE and Oncology Nursing News have hosted the Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing, which gives people the opportunity to recognize and honor the oncology nurses who have made a significant impact on their life.
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