If cancer has touched you or someone close to you and you recognize any of these manifestations of denial, you should do everything possible to establish ongoing dialogue between the patient, the healthcare team, other family members, and support resources to create perspective. In most cases, the dialogue needs to be initiated by the person in denial, at a rate that feels digestible. Part of making it digestible is helping the individual figure out what elements of the experience are more controllable than others. That may come from more interaction with patients and family members who are having parallel experiences and may be farther along in the process of redefining their own avenues for restoring normalcy and control. Sharing feelings of helplessness and even fear can validate those feelings while inspiring practical and potentially empowering actions. Keeping a journal and written records of what is said by involved parties and at medical appointments can also be a great help in overcoming denial. Record personal feelings, hopes and fears, and then periodically review your entries to reflect on whether you and everyone involved are coming to grips with reality in a constructive way. Sometimes writing your own deepest feelings and thoughts can help you say things to yourself that may be unspeakable to others. Journaling can be a very positive tool in helping you start moving from denial to acceptance. Remember, when cancer is diagnosed, the patient must always be everyone’s focus. Ideally, all members of the family and caregiving team should strive to go through the experience with their eyes wide open and with a strong sense of mutual support in confronting and planning for reality – doing everything possible to assist a patient who is in remission, or supporting a dying patient with dignity, love and respect.âœŚ Deborah J. Cornwall is the author of “Things I Wish I’d Known: Cancer Caregivers Speak Out,â€? a book based on interviews with 86 cancer caregivers and dozens of patients and survivors. For more information or to purchase the book, click on www.thingsiwishidknown.com
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www.dentalimplant90210.com The MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute Dedicated to the early diagnosis, treatment, research and education of patients with cancer, the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute (TCI) specializes in the divisions of gynecology, breast, thoracic, gastrointestinal and urinary cancers. TCI also offers psychosocial oncology services to help patients improve their quality of life while dealing with cancer. Through multi-disciplinary treatment planning conferences, TCI experts develop specialized treatment plans suited to the specific needs of each patient. TCI is now located in the new Todd Cancer Pavilion which houses the world’s most advanced technology for cancer treatment, wellness programs, support groups and a patient navigator that together treat the whole patient under one roof. For more information, call (562) 933-0900.
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Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian Each year in the U.S., nearly 26,000 cases of ovarian, tubal and peritoneal (lining of the abdominal cavity) cancers are diagnosed. While many of these women will undergo effective surgical and adjunctive treatment, some cancers persist and return. A new, innovative treatment option available at Hoag is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Performed by Hoag’s skilled gynecologic oncologists, the HIPEC procedure is done following the surgical removal of the tumor. In the OR setting, the surgeon will continuously circulate a heated chemotherapy agent throughout the cavity. This HIPEC approach is designed to kill any remaining cancer cells, improve the absorption into the body and minimize side effects. For more information, call Sandy Pollet, R.N. at (949) 722-6237. Saddleback Memorial Saddleback Memorial has established an exclusive partnership with UC Irvine Heath to offer comprehensive stroke care to Orange County residents. Through this new collaboration, Saddleback Memorial has added to its team of world-class neurointerventional physicians and surgeons and has expanded its capabilities to include round-theclock advanced treatment for stroke patients. Through an innovative telemedicine program, stroke patients have a board-certified neurologist at their bedside within approximately 15 minutes of their arrival. Often, the first step in treatment of stroke is the administration of a clot-busting intravenous medication called tissue plasminogen activator. When this is appropriate, stroke patients at Saddleback Memorial receive the drug immediately. The “door-to-needle� time at Saddleback Memorial is one of the best in Orange County and beats the national average by as much as half. When given promptly, one in three patients who receive the drug resolve their symptoms or see major improvement. For more information on Saddleback Memorial’s comprehensive stroke program or new neurointerventional services, click on www.memorialcare.org/sbstroke.
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Chiropractor, Board Certified Kinesiologist, Nutritional Therapy, & Neuro-Emotional Technique
Gentle Chiropractic, Nutritional Therapy, & Neuro-Emotional Technique
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