Surgery is the most common treatment for oesophageal cancer. Oesophagectomy is an operation where your doctor removes the affected part of your oesophagus and connects the remaining healthy part to your stomach so that you can swallow normally. There are other treatment options that can be combined with surgery, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It is normal to feel anxious or uncertain about what lies ahead. However, preparing yourself well before the treatment may help alleviate feelings of anxiety.
Ask Away
Ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your course of treatment. Some of your fears may disappear if you are fully aware of what will happen to your body. You may ask questions on what treatment will be used, what to expect, and the risks that might come with the procedures. Since drugs may be given intravenously (through veins) or orally, it is important to inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications and supplements. These drugs can interact with cancer medications and cause reduced effectiveness or unwanted side effects. The medications used to treat cancer are continually re-evaluated continually. Consulting with your doctor is usually the best way to learn about the prescribed medications, their purpose, and any potential side effects or drug interactions.
Get a Treatment Care Plan
After you and your doctor have agreed on your plan for cancer care, you may ask for a treatment care plan summary. The care plan summary must include the following:
- The specific types of treatments
- How often and for how long you will be treated
- Where you will be treated
- Whether you will receive inpatient or outpatient treatment
- What to do if you experience pain or bodily changes
- How to manage care at home
- Information about the over-the-counter medications and supplements you are taking
- Any other special instructions
Additionally, you can request assistance with specific problems, like insurance, finances, or emotional support.
Tap into Your Network
Be open and honest to your family and friends about your emotional and practical needs, so they will be ready and willing to help. You might also request people to take on specific tasks, such as picking up the kids or doing household chores. Also, talk to someone who has been through cancer and had successful treatment. Hearing from those who have already taken the journey you are about to start can offer hope and improve your perspective.
Expect Physical Changes in Your Body
Cancer and its treatment can change the way you look. These changes may or may not be visible to other people. They can affect how you feel about yourself, your sexuality and relationships, and your career. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy (radiation therapy) may have side effects, such as hair loss, weight loss, scarring, and skin rashes. You may want to prepare yourself for these possibilities. Your doctor will explain what you should expect from the treatment plan.
Explore Supportive Care Services
Before starting treatment, explore available supportive care services. Supportive care helps those affected by or living with cancer to meet their physical, social, emotional, psychological, informational, spiritual, and practical needs during the diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up phases. Social workers, counsellors, and other health professionals are equipped to help you navigate the various challenges that you may be facing. Supportive care interventions can minimise or prevent the adverse effects of cancer and its treatment. They may include:
- Psychological support
- Symptom control
- Social support
- Rehabilitation
- Spiritual support
- Palliative care
So, where can you find supportive care? Some of these therapies may be available where you are being treated – just ask.
Conclusion
Cancer treatment can go on for an extended period – months, years, or even a lifetime. Thus, it is best to prepare yourself in all aspects so that you can cope with cancer while receiving long-term treatment.
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