When someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, the news is devastating for the entire family. Fear of the unknown, not knowing "what to do now," concerns over treatments, side effects and prognosis all take a toll. One way to combat the fear of the unknown and face the cancer head on, is to arm yourself with information. Here are some tips to help caregivers take care of an elderly relative who has cancer.
First, get as much information as you can from the doctor. If you forget to ask something while you are in the office, schedule a follow-up appointment. Here are some questions to ask:
- What type of cancer does my parent have?
- Where exactly is it located?
- What are the risk factors for this disease?
- Is this type of cancer caused by genetic factors? Are other members of my family at risk?
- How many people are diagnosed with this type of cancer each year?
- What lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, rest) do you recommend that my parent make to stay as healthy as possible before, during, and after treatment?
- Where can I find more information about this type of cancer?
- What is the stage of the cancer? What does this mean?
- Has cancer spread to the lymph nodes or anywhere else?
- How is staging used to determine cancer treatment?
- What treatments will be used? Where can I get more information on these treatments?
- What types of side effects can we expect?
- What is the prognosis (chance of recovery)?