What significance does palliative care have for patients in advanced stages of cancer?
June 20, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Wilhelm Hahn
Dear doctor,
My name is Erwin Blumberg and I am 58 years old. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer. Since then, I have undergone various therapies and treatments, but my condition has been deteriorating in the last few months. The pain is getting stronger and the side effects of the medications are weighing heavily on me. I feel like my body is slowly giving up and I have to come to terms with my illness.
In my current situation, I am very concerned about the significance of palliative care for patients like me in advanced stages of cancer. I have heard a lot about palliative care, but I am uncertain if this type of treatment is the right choice for me. I wonder if it can truly help me alleviate my pain and improve my quality of life. I worry if by opting for palliative care, I would have to give up and surrender the fight against my illness.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with more information about palliative care and explain how it could help me in my current situation. What treatment options are available to me and what support could I expect? How can palliative care help me feel comfortable and dignified despite my illness?
Thank you in advance for your time and support.
Sincerely,
Erwin Blumberg
Dear Mr. Blumberg,
Thank you for your question and for trusting in my expertise as an oncologist. I am sorry to hear that your condition has worsened in the past months and that you are experiencing severe pain and side effects. It is understandable that you are considering palliative care and whether it is the right choice for you.
Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care aimed at improving the quality of life for patients suffering from a serious and progressive illness. The goal of palliative care is to alleviate pain, control symptoms, provide psychosocial support, and maintain and improve quality of life. Palliative care is not focused on curing the cancer, but rather on enhancing the patient's quality of life regardless of the course of the disease.
In your current situation, palliative care could help alleviate your pain and control your symptoms. There are various treatment options in palliative care, including pain-relief medications, physiotherapy, psychological support, and assistance in coping with anxiety and depression. Palliative care can also help you focus on your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and help you feel comfortable and dignified despite your illness.
It is important to emphasize that palliative care does not mean giving up the fight against your illness. Rather, it is about receiving holistic care that meets your individual needs and desires. You still have the opportunity to actively participate in decisions about your treatment and care and improve your quality of life.
I strongly recommend discussing your thoughts and questions about palliative care with your treating physician. Your doctor can provide comprehensive information about your treatment options and help you make a decision that aligns with your needs. There are also specialized palliative care teams that can support you in decision-making and during your treatment.
I hope this information helps you make an informed decision and receive the support you need. Please do not hesitate to ask further questions or seek support if needed.
Sincerely,
Wilhelm Hahn
