All posts by Chris

Cancer Caregivers, Uncategorized

Four Real World Cancer Patient Support Tips

When a loved one is going through cancer treatment, they’ll need support from friends and family. Knowing how to help them can be tough to do, especially if you’ve never been in this situation before. The following tips can give you some ideas on how to support cancer patients.

Offer to Do Errands

Some types of treatments, such as chemotherapy, can take a toll on your loved one’s energy levels. They might find it difficult to take care of errands, especially if they involve leaving their home and going out and about. Offer to handle grocery shopping, do loads of laundry, or run other errands for your loved one. These simple gestures can go a long way toward easing their stress.

Go to Appointments with Your Loved One

Some treatment approaches can cause brain fog or other cognitive problems for your loved one. This can make it harder for them to process information and make decisions during cancer care appointments. Offer to go with your loved one to these appointments and take notes for them.

Prepare a Bunch of Meals

Eating well is important for people who are being treated for cancer. However, cooking can be difficult to do when they have low energy levels and a poor appetite. Prepare nutritious meals for your loved one ahead of time, so they’ll have plenty to eat without having to do any cooking.

Spend Quality Time with Your Loved One

Helping someone with cancer involves more than handling practical tasks. Spend time talking with your loved one, watching movies together, or doing other activities they enjoy.

If you’re exploring cancer treatment options with your loved one, please contact Issels® for more information on immunotherapy. We can give you more details on this type of treatment approach and our immunotherapy clinics.

Cancer Caregivers, Uncategorized

5 Tips on How to Offer Support to Someone With Cancer

When a friend or family member is coping with a serious illness, it can be difficult to find the right way to communicate. Members of our staff at Issels® share five simple and practical tips to express support for a loved one who is undergoing cancer treatment.

1. Schedule personal visits.

*Be considerate of your friend’s needs. Always call first and don’t take it personally if they can’t see you.

*Begin and end the visit with a hug, handshake or other warm physical contact.

*Visit during “off-hours,” such as weekday mornings, rather than weekends or holidays when others are likely to visit.

2. Call and send notes.

*Return any calls or messages from your friend as soon as possible.

*Frequency is more important than length.

3. Engage in conversation.

*Ask questions to keep the focus on your friend’s thoughts and feelings.

*Discuss sports, books or other topics that bring pleasure to your friend.

*Allow your loved one to express their feelings honestly, without trying to change the tone of the conversation.

4. Handle errands and projects.

*Offer to take over one or more regular errands, such as mowing the lawn, that will help ease the load.

*Don’t forget to ask the caregiver if you can run any errands for them as well.

5. Give gifts.

*Bigger isn’t always better. Choose small gifts that will be immediately useful, and give them often.

*A gift to the caretaker will be equally appreciated by the one who is undergoing cancer treatment.

*If your loved one has financial obstacles, consider seeking donations or organizing fundraisers.

Cancer Treatment for Therapy-Resistant Cases

Immunotherapy at Issels® has an outstanding record of success, even with patients in Stage IV. Contact us to learn more about our state-of-the-art programs that are tailored to a patient’s specific needs.

 

 

Cancer Treatment, Uncategorized

Know Your Cancer Fighting Options Before You Choose Your Treatment

When you’re diagnosed with cancer, your thoughts might turn to getting treatment as soon as possible. However, rushing into cancer treatment can lead to ineffective care, adverse side effects, and other issues. Taking time to go over your options means you’ll be able to choose the best kind of treatment.

Factors That Affect Cancer Treatment

When you discuss treatment options with your healthcare team, they’ll provide you with options based on different factors. Keep in mind that not all treatments are considered suitable for every cancer case. Your healthcare team will consider the type of cancer you have, the stage of this cancer, and your health in general in order to determine treatment options. Other factors they’ll consider include additional testing, such as blood tests or genetic testing, as well as any other medical conditions you have.

Types of Treatment

Several types of treatment are available for cancer. In some cases, surgery might be recommended to remove cancerous tumors and prevent them from spreading. Other conventional forms of treatment for cancer include radiation therapy and chemotherapy, although these can have adverse side effects. Immunotherapy offers a treatment option for cancer that uses a more holistic approach and doesn’t produce side effects.

Understanding Treatment Options

Talking to your healthcare team about your options is important. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand, such as how specific treatments work or what the chances of success are in your case. You can also get a second opinion, look into clinical trials, and research treatment options on your own before making your decision.

If you’re looking for more details on immunotherapy cancer treatment, please contact Issels®. We can help you learn more about this type of treatment, so you can determine if it’s right for you.

Cancer Treatment, Uncategorized

Five Diet Tips to Avoid Issues During Conventional Cancer Treatment

When you’re undergoing conventional cancer treatment, your dietary habits and choices can play a significant role in successful therapy. Here are five valuable tips on using your diet to manage side effects and boost your immune system.

5 Tips for Eating During Cancer Treatment

1.  Radiation and chemotherapy often cause loss of appetite and taste. If you find that you’re rarely hungry, try grazing on several small snacks or meals throughout the day. Experiment with different spices and seasonings to create strong flavors.

2. Do you find yourself suffering from nausea? Citrus, ginger and peppermint oil fight digestive queasiness. Ginger tea and ginger chews will settle your stomach without filling you up. Many people find it helpful to suck on a lemon wedge.

3. Bowel habits can cover the spectrum from diarrhea to constipation. Avoid constipation by drinking plenty of water and adding fiber to your diet, whether it’s from supplements or foods like beans and fresh vegetables. Choose beverages like sports drinks, broth and fruit juices that are high in sodium and potassium to combat effects of diarrhea.

4. Vitamins and minerals are natural allies of the immune system. Cancer patients are most commonly deficient in Vitamin D, which also reduces fatigue and supports bone health. Look for milk, yogurt, cereals and other foods fortified with Vitamin D.

5. When your immune system is compromised, it’s important to avoid foods that carry a risk of illness, including sushi and lightly-cooked fish, soft-cooked eggs, unpasteurized dairy products and unwashed produce. You should also stay away from processed and fried foods, which contain high levels of hydrogenated oils that can increase inflammation.

State-of-the-Art Cancer Treatment from Issels®

Our immunotherapy treatment programs focus on the body’s internal environment as well as the tumor itself. Contact us to learn more.

 

Immunotherapy for Cancer, Uncategorized

What to Look for If You Think Your or a Loved One Has Cancer

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Early detection can be a huge advantage for successful cancer treatment. Do you think you or a loved one may be suffering from cancer? Here are some of the primary signs and symptoms to watch for.

Difference Between Signs and Symptoms

While they may seem like the same thing, there is an important difference between signs and symptoms.

*Signs are measurable conditions, such as a fever, that can be observed by another person.

*Symptoms are detectable only by the person who is actually experiencing them. Pain and fatigue fall into this category.

Keep in mind that many signs and symptoms may be temporary and caused by something other than cancer. Be sure to consult a doctor if these conditions become exacerbated or don’t go away over time.

Possible Signs and Symptoms of Cancer

*Fatigue or tiredness that is not relieved by rest

*Significant weight loss or gain (10+ pounds) with no apparent cause

*Eating and digestive problems, including lack of appetite, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting or constipation, diarrhea or other changes in bowel habits

*Swelling, thickening or lumps in the breast or any part of the body

*Sudden unexplained pain that becomes more serious or continues to linger

*Changes in skin features, such as a new mole or altered appearance in an existing one, a sore that refuses to heal or a yellowish color in skin or eyes

*Chronic coughing and hoarseness

*Bleeding or bruising that appears suddenly without reason

*Pain or blood in the urine, or increase or decrease in frequency of urination

*Fever or night sweats

*Headaches

*Vision or hearing problems

Issels®: The Leader in Personalized Cancer Treatment

With our state-of-the-art immunotherapy cancer treatment, even many patients with advanced cancer have achieved long-term remission. Contact us to see how Issels® can help you or your loved one.

Cancer Caregivers, Uncategorized

You Must Take Care of Yourself While Caring for a Cancer Patient

When you’re caring for a loved one who is undergoing cancer treatment, it’s easy to put them first while losing sight of your own needs. While that feeling is understandable, taking care of yourself benefits both you and the patient.

What Is a Caregiver?

Many cancer patients receive treatment on an outpatient basis, meaning they still spend significant portions of time at home. “Caregiver” is generally used to refer to an unpaid friend or family member who tends to a patient’s day-to-day needs.

Caregiving can include anything from feeding, dressing and bathing a patient to providing transportation, handling finances and attending cancer treatment appointments. For many people, these duties are over and above the needs of themselves and other family members they may be responsible for.

Tips for Self-Care 

Caring for a cancer patient can be deeply fulfilling, but it may also be physically, mentally and emotionally draining. Here are some helpful ways to maintain your energy and spirits.

*Be sure to schedule time for personal activities you enjoy. This could include lunch with a friend, reading a good book or taking a walk.

*Don’t be afraid to seek support. There are a number of peer groups for caregivers, as well as counselors who specialize in this issue. If you’re religious or spiritual, this can be another avenue for support.

*Ask other friends and family members for help when the load gets to be too much. It’s neither feasible nor advisable to handle everything on your own.

*Keep up your strength and morale by eating a healthy diet. Plan regular meals with balanced nutrition.

First-Class Immunotherapy Programs from Issels®

At Issels®, we understand that cancer treatment involves more than just fighting the tumor. Contact us to learn more about our individual immunotherapy protocols and read patient testimonials.