By Sandra Ray, Staff Writer
Talking to Physicians and Other Treatment “Team” Members:
Going back to Combs’ hindsight of education,
caregivers should proactively take steps to be
involved in patient care and the treatment spectrum.
Treatment for ovarian cancer can range from surgical
procedures to chemotherapy to radiation and
variations in between. In Combs’ case, “I had
surgery only. I took methotrexate for about three
months, but there wasn’t much ‘actual’ caregiving. I
drove myself to appointments to have my blood tests
monitored and followed up with my doctor.”
Learning about the risks of ovarian cancer, how
it is diagnosed, staged and treated can make a
difference in how a woman copes with her diagnosis.
When a woman realizes that she is not alone in the
doctor’s office to ask questions, her confidence can
improve and she realizes that someone else is “in
her corner.”
Between appointments there are many ideas and
thoughts that may come to mind. Here are some ways
to remember those for the next trip to the doctor’s
office:
- Keep a journal of questions and recent
activities to share with the doctor
- Keep a list of symptoms noticed between
appointments
- Research the latest material on ovarian
cancer and ask the doctor about advances in
science
Dr. Don Dizon, FACP, Assistance Professor, OB/GYN
& Medicine at Brown Medical School is well-known for
his work in clinical trials in ovarian cancer, yet
he has interesting insights into the role of
caregivers during the various phases of the disease.
He offers this advice, “be willing to talk to the
patient about their fears. Symptoms can change
day-to-day, and the caregiver can help make sense of
what is happening to the patient.” In addition, he
notes that patients may need an advocate to help
navigate the “maze” of medical jargon. One of the
best ways that caregivers can do this is through
educating themselves and then the patient about
ovarian cancer.
Self-Care:
As the caregiver, you may find there are times
when you will need to take a break from the everyday
stresses. While you are not the one undergoing
treatment, caregiving can take a serious toll. Some
studies indicate that caregivers face stresses like:
- Inability to control the situation their
loved one faces
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Role confusion or sudden role changes
(moving from spouse to caregiver or adult child
to caregiver of a parent)
- Not managing expectations – trying to do too
much too quickly
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