What to Do When Cancer Treatment Stops Working
Cancer is a word no one wants to hear, but we all know someone close who has experienced this disease. While nothing can reduce the fear of being diagnosed with cancer, understanding how to manage the disease and treatments can help.
Treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and medications are typically part of a patient’s care plan regardless of the type, or stage, of cancer they have. However, at some point these treatments either cause debilitating side effects or are no longer effective. Understanding when it is time to consider other treatment options is key. One of these treatment options is hospice care. Signs of chemotherapy not working may include:
- Cancer patient not eating or drinking
- Increase in symptoms
- Increase in pain
- Shortness of breath or restlessness
- Weight loss or appetite changes
When chemotherapy does not work.
When a cancer patient is experiencing 3 or more of the above signs, hospice can be a great benefit to the patient and family. And, despite the myth, electing hospice is not “giving up.” In fact, it’s a new beginning. A beginning that enables the patient and their loved ones to choose what is best. A beginning to take control of life by spending less time in clinics and hospitals and enjoying the time remaining.
There are so many benefits to hospice care. For cancer patients not eating or drinking, or experiencing other symptoms, there are highly-trained physicians and nurses provide pain and symptom control and education on what to expect. Social workers are knowledgeable in finding much-needed resources and can provide emotional support. Non-denominational chaplains offer spiritual support. Bereavement specialists have the ability to listen empathetically and connect you with available resources. Compassionate hospice aides can change bed linens and provide patients with a warm, thorough bath, relaxing shampoo, fingernail care or even provide a back rub or hold a hand.
Another benefit of hospice is respite care. Caring for someone with cancer can be particularly challenging when chemotherapy doesn’t work, causing your “caregiving batteries” to run down very quickly. Respite care is designed to allow the caregiver to recharge their batteries by arranging for the patient to stay in a nursing facility for up to five consecutive days. This reprieve enables the caregiver to rest, attend a wedding or even take a road trip.
An evaluation is the first step in obtaining the information needed to decide what’s best. If cancer treatment stops working, and you would like a hospice professional to determine if your loved one is eligible for hospice services, call Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care. We can make a difference and we perform assessments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Please call us at 888-603-6673.
