Palliative care

Cancer is a life-threatening illness that can cause several troubling symptoms. Cancer treatment, additionally, can be mentally and physically taxing for the patients. Palliative care is offered along with medical care to help patients cope with these symptoms in a better manner. Palliative care extends help with nutritional guidance, treatment & their side effects, relaxation techniques and support for the patient and their caregivers.

Palliative care includes taking care of different aspects of a patient’s health. These include:

1) Physical: Cancer can cause physical effects such as pain, persistent fatigue, breathlessness and loss of appetite. Palliative care offers effective ways to help navigate these problems.

2) Mental: Cancer and its treatment can take a toll on your mental health. It is common to feel anxious or depressed due to cancer. Palliative care involves mental health support, counselling, therapy and other forms of guidance.

3) Emotional: Dealing with cancer can be emotionally exhausting for you and your caregivers. It is important to address any emotional grievances such as anger and sadness. Palliative care provides effective ways to help deal with these emotions.

4) Social: Living with cancer can alter your social lifestyle and leave you feeling alone. Palliative care allows patients to have a social life without many obstacles.

Palliative care may be offered to people of any age who have a serious or life-threatening illness. Palliative care can help adults and children living with the following illness:-

• Cancer
• Dementia
• Heart diseases
• Cystic fibroids
• Kidney failure
• Lung disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• End-stage liver disease
• Stroke
• Blood and bone disorders requiring stem cell transplant

Palliative care can also be given to improve the following symptoms:-

• Pain
• Anorexia
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Trouble sleeping
• Breathing difficulty
• Depression or sadness
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Nausea or vomiting

Hot to prepare for palliative care?

Following is the basic information that can help you prepare for your first consultation:-

• Bring a list of symptoms you experience
• Note down specifically what makes the symptoms better or worse
• Bring the list of medicines and supplements you use
• Bring a family member or friend with you to the appointment
• Bring any advance directives and living wills you have completed

The palliative care team will talk to you about your symptoms, current treatments, and how the illness is affecting you and your family. You and your palliative care team chart out a plan to prevent and ease suffering and improve your daily life. This plan is carried out in coordination with your primary care team in a way that suits other treatments you are receiving.

After consultation

Your palliative care plan is designed to fit your life and needs. It may include:-

• Symptoms management
• Support and advice
• Care techniques that improve the comfort and sense of well-being
• Referrals
• Advance care planning

During the entire process, your palliative care team collaborates with your regular doctor to ensure your care is well-coordinated.