Cancer treatments can keep tumors from growing or causing symptoms, and they can cure some patients whose cancer is in the early stages. Sometimes treatments fail or cancer progresses to a stage that can't even be treated. This is advanced cancer.
How long you live will depend on a number of factors. This includes how much cancer has spread, and the type of cancer. Knowing what you can and cannot do in the event of advanced cancer is crucial to making decisions that are right for you.
When oncologist says no more chemo
Many people have been shocked when their oncologist told them that it's now time to stop the chemotherapy. This decision can be very difficult. It can be done if your cancer has advanced and you are experiencing serious side effects that do not improve.
The oncologist may also say that your treatment isn't making a difference and you have a low chance of getting rid of the cancer. This is usually the case for cancers that are solid, such as lung, breast, colon or sarcoma.
Many cancer patients continue to receive chemotherapy. The combination of chemotherapy and other treatment can help shrink tumours and control cancer spread. If you don't see the benefit of chemotherapy, your oncologist can suggest alternative therapies or clinical trials.
If your chemo doesn't work, you may experience side effects such as fatigue and memory problems. These effects can last for months or years after the treatment is over. Your doctor can suggest cognitive exercises to help improve concentration and retrain the brain.
You may have a hard time finding a treatment that works if your chemo had an adverse reaction. But don't give up! You can also manage your symptoms by exercising, eating healthily, or taking pain medication.
Signs that Chemo doesn't Work
Another reason your cancer might be in the advanced stages is that your cancer has stopped responding to treatments. It's a problem that is common with cancers resistant to drugs. This is one of the main reasons why researchers are looking for better treatments.
Cancer cells are able to resist treatment and grow, multiplying. Cancer cells can eventually no longer kill themselves.
If you experience other serious symptoms such as severe weight loss or bleeding, your cancer may be at an advanced stage. This can be a severe weakness, difficulty in breathing, or pains in your arms and legs, neck or spine.
The doctor could also recommend alternative treatments, like radiation therapy which can slow down the growth of cancerous tumors. Radiation therapy may be used to treat cancers which have spread into other parts of your body, like the brain or the bones.
FAQ
What impact will it have on the healthcare industry if there is no Medicare
Medicare is an entitlement program that offers financial assistance to low-income families and individuals who can't afford their premiums. This program is available to more than 40 millions Americans.
Millions would be without insurance coverage, as some private insurers won't offer policies to individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
What is a health care system?
The entire spectrum of health care is covered, including rehabilitation and prevention. It includes hospitals. clinics. pharmacies. community services. public health, primary and long-term health care. home care. mental health and addictions. palliative, end-of life care. emergency medicine. research, education. financing. and regulation.
Health systems are complex adaptive systems. They have emergent properties which cannot always be predicted by looking at individual components.
Complex health systems can be difficult to comprehend and manage due to their complexity. Here creativity is key.
Creativity is the key to solving problems we don’t understand. Our imaginations allow us to come up with new ideas and ways to improve the world.
People with creative thinking skills are vital for the health system. They're always evolving.
Thinkers who are creative can change the way the health system works for the better.
What should I know about vaccines?
Vaccines offer a way to keep your body healthy and are extremely safe. Vaccines work by protecting you against certain diseases. Vaccinations are typically given at certain times in childhood, adolescence or adulthood. Your doctor will advise you when it is best for you to be vaccinated.
Statistics
- Foreign investment in hospitals—up to 70% ownership- has been encouraged as an incentive for privatization. (en.wikipedia.org)
- About 14 percent of Americans have chronic kidney disease. (rasmussen.edu)
- Price Increases, Aging Push Sector To 20 Percent Of Economy". (en.wikipedia.org)
- Over the first twenty-five years of this transformation, government contributions to healthcare expenditures have dropped from 36% to 15%, with the burden of managing this decrease falling largely on patients. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The healthcare sector is one of the largest and most complex in the U.S. economy, accounting for 18% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020.1 (investopedia.com)
External Links
How To
How to Locate Home Care Facilities
People who need assistance at home are assisted by home care facilities. Home care facilities can be used by elderly or disabled individuals who are unable to get around on their own, as well those suffering from chronic diseases like Alzheimer's. These facilities offer services such as personal hygiene, meal preparation and laundry, cleaning, medication reminders, transportation, and so on. They often work in close collaboration with social workers, medical professionals, and rehabilitation specialists.
The best way to find a home care service provider is through recommendations from friends, family members, local businesses, or online reviews. After you've identified one or two providers you can start to ask about their qualifications, experience, and references. Look for providers that offer flexible hours to accommodate your needs. You can also ask if they offer 24-hour emergency service.
Ask your doctor or nurse to refer you. If you don’t know where to begin, search online for “home health care” or “nursing home”. For example, you could use websites like Yelp, Angie's List, HealthGrades, or Nursing Home Compare.
For more information, you can also contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Visiting Nurse Service Association for further assistance. These agencies will provide a list of local agencies that offer home care services.
Because many home care agencies charge high fees, it is essential to choose a reliable agency. In fact, some agencies can charge up to 100% of an individual's monthly income. Avoid this problem by selecting an agency that has been highly reviewed by the Better Business Bureau. Ask for references from clients who have used your agency before.
Some states even require homecare agencies that register with the State Department of Social Services. To find out what registration requirements your agency must meet, check with your local government office.
There are several things to keep in mind when choosing a home care agency :
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Be cautious of companies that require you to pay upfront in order to receive services.
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Look for a reputable and well-established business.
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You should have proof of insurance, especially if your payment is out of pocket.
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Verify that the state has granted the agency license.
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For all costs related to hiring the agency, request a written contract.
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Verify that follow-up visits are provided by the agency after discharge.
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Ask for a listing of certifications and credentials.
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Do not sign anything without reading it first.
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Take the time to read all fine print.
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You should verify that the agency you are dealing with is insured and bonded.
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Ask the agency how long they have been in business.
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Verify that the State Department of Social Welfare has granted the agency a license.
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Find out if there are complaints against the agency.
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Call the local government agency that regulates homecare agencies.
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It is important to ensure that staff members answering the phones are qualified to answer any questions you may have about homecare.
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Talk to your accountant or attorney about the tax implications for home care.
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Always obtain at least three quotes for every agency providing home care services.
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Accept the lowest offer, but don't settle for anything less than $30 per an hour.
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It is possible that you will need to visit more than one agency for home care each day.
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It is important to carefully read contracts before you sign them.