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CARING FOR PATIENTS
through diagnosis STEP FOUR: TREATMENT Other appointments
Chemotherapy refers to any of a variety of medications that are used separately or in combination, in specific dosages and over particular time spans as a method of treating cancer. Sometimes chemotherapy is prescribed as the only treatment. Sometimes it precedes other treatments. It may also be used at the conclusion of primary treatment, to help lower the risk of recurrence.
Nurse navigators can help patients and their loved ones arrange for:
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Medical oncology
Spiritual care Genetic counseling Nutritional advice Assistance from a social worker
Financial counseling and insurance coverage Assistance with legal matters Help conducting library research
Integrative medicine consultations Psychological counseling Support group information Rehabilitation therapy
Fitness counseling Smoking cessation help Fertility counseling Lodging in the Syracuse area during treatment
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Radiation oncology A variety of external beam radiation therapies is available to help shrink tumors before surgery or eliminate microscopic cancer cells after surgery. Today’s advanced radiotherapy machines deliver radiation with unprecedented precision. Brachytherapy is also an option, for tumors that are likely to respond to the temporary placement of tiny radioactive sources.
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Surgery A surgical team may operate to remove a tumor from a patient with cancer. Surgeons are also involved in the installation of ports to ease chemotherapy administration.
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STEP FIVE
Survivorship A patient’s basic health needs change after a cancer diagnosis. The survivor wellness team at Upstate works with existing health care providers to ensure comprehensive communication and a personalized plan for post-treatment life.
Palliative care Depending on the patient’s wishes, a palliative care plan may be crafted to focus on relief from the symptoms and stress of cancer.
fall 2016 l upstate.edu/cancer
CANCER CARE
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