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Helen Diller Family Compr Cancer Ctr
ASK THE CANCER INFORMATION SERVICE

Support for Cancer Patients

Caregiving
Volunteering
Emotional and Life Issues
End-of-Life Issues
Pain / Palliative Care
General Questions

 


Caregiving


My child just finished treatment for cancer. What can I do to help her stay healthy? [answer]

I'm looking after my mother during her cancer treatment. What are some things I can do to take care of myself? [answer]

My father is dying of cancer. I'm his main caregiver. What should I do? [answer]

My family members and friends are caring for me during my cancer treatment. How can I make their job easier? [answer]

My friend has cancer, and I'm not sure how to help her. Can you give me ideas? [answer]


Volunteering


I just recently finished my cancer treatment. My family wants me to get involved as a volunteer, but I'm not sure I'm ready. How can I decide? [answer]

As a cancer survivor, I'd like to get involved as a volunteer in my community. What can I do? [answer]


Emotional and Life Issues


Since her cancer diagnosis, my sister sees her future as hopeless. What can I say to her? [answer]

I have been feeling very depressed since my cancer diagnosis. Is this normal? [answer]

My boyfriend left me after I was treated for cervical cancer. How can I regain my confidence about dating? [answer]

My sister's cancer was treated successfully a year ago, but she still suffers a lot of anxiety. Her doctor thinks she has "PTSD." What is this? [answer]

My cancer treatment ended a few months ago, but I still think about my illness all the time. How can I get my mind on other things? [answer]

My mother is cancer-free five years after her breast cancer surgery. Yet she remains fearful that the cancer may come back. How can I help her? [answer]

Can spirituality affect a cancer patient's recovery? [answer]


End-of-Life Issues


My mother's cancer is not responding to treatment, and her doctor suggested hospice care. How could it help her? [answer]

As a cancer patient, I worry that my wishes about medical care will not be carried out if I become unable to speak or think clearly. What can I do? [answer]

What is a living will? [answer]

My grandmother is expected to die from cancer within a few months. Her doctor has recommended hospice care. What does this include? [answer]

What is hospice? [answer]


Pain / Palliative Care


I read recently that cancer experts are putting more emphasis now on "palliative care." Can you tell me more about this? [answer]

What are some ways to relieve cancer pain without drugs? [answer]


General Questions


I have breast cancer. How can I find a support group? [answer]

Are there things I should be doing now that my cancer treatment is over? [answer]

After cancer treatment, will my life return to normal? [answer]

I worry about returning to work after my cancer treatment. How can I get back into the routine? [answer]

How do support groups help cancer patients? [answer]

My cancer treatments are over, but getting back to normal life is difficult. What types of help are available? [answer]

I've had cancer. Can I get life insurance? [answer]

I am 15-year-old who has had cancer. Can I lead a "normal" life? [answer]

Are there national organizations that help women who have breast cancer? [answer]

A poem called "Taking Time" helped my friend deal with her cancer. Where can I find this poem? [answer]

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