Liver Cancer: Coping with Treatment
Liver cancer is a challenging diagnosis needing extensive treatment and supportive care. Understanding how to cope with the physical, emotional, social, and financial effects that treatment may bring is important. This article aims to provide guidance and information on coping with liver cancer treatment while emphasising the importance of seeking the expertise of a liver cancer specialist.
How the Experience Varies
Liver cancer treatment, like any other cancer treatment, can cause various side effects and changes to the body. It's important to note that the side effects may vary from person to person, even when receiving the same treatment for the same type of cancer. Predicting how an individual will feel during treatment can be difficult due to these individual differences.
Supportive Care
An important aspect of liver cancer treatment is palliative care or supportive care. This type of care focuses on preventing and relieving treatment-related side effects. Palliative care is an integral part of the treatment plan, regardless of age or disease stage.
Manage these physical side effects by working closely with your healthcare team. Communicate regularly with them, informing them about any new side effects or changes in existing ones. By doing so, they can develop strategies to relieve discomfort and prevent side effects from worsening. Keeping track of your side effects can also be helpful in discussions with your healthcare team.
Long-term and Late Effects
Note that some side effects may persist after treatment ends (known as long-term side effects), while others may arise months or years later, called late effects. Managing them is an indispensable part of survivorship care. Engage with your doctor and discuss any concerns or symptoms that arise post-treatment to ensure appropriate care and support.
Emotional and Social Effects
Liver cancer treatment can also bring emotional and social effects. Dealing with a cancer diagnosis may trigger many emotions such as sadness, anxiety, or anger. It can be challenging to express these feelings to loved ones, and in such cases, seeking support from an oncology social worker, counsellor, or member of the clergy can be beneficial. These professionals can guide you with effective coping strategies and facilitate open conversations about cancer.
Dealing with Financial Concerns
Cancer treatment can be costly, causing financial stress and anxiety for patients and their families. Additional unplanned costs related to care can also arise. So, discuss financial concerns with your healthcare team and let them guide and provide you with resources to manage these considerations. Open communication about financial barriers helps ensure that the quality of care is not compromised.
Knowing the Barriers to Care
It is important to address barriers to care that certain groups may face. Cancer disparities, caused by real-world barriers to quality medical care and social determinants of health, often impact racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with limited financial resources, LGBTQ+ populations, adolescent and young adults, older adults, and those residing in underserved communities.
If you encounter difficulties accessing the care you need, reach out to your healthcare team or explore resources designed to support medically underserved individuals.
Discussing the Potential Side Effects
Before starting treatment, have a thorough discussion with your doctor regarding possible side effects. Ask questions about the likelihood and timing of side effects and inquire about preventive or relief measures.
Share any side effects experienced during and after treatment, even if they seem trivial of a detail, as this information will aid your healthcare team in providing medical care. Remember that discussions with them should encompass the physical, emotional, social, and financial aspects of your cancer journey.
To the Caregivers
Being a caregiver for a loved one with liver cancer is both rewarding and challenging. Caregivers are crucial in providing physical, practical, and emotional assistance to the patient.
Caregivers should prioritise self-care and seek support from the healthcare team and other resources available because caregiving responsibilities can be taxing. Developing a caregiving plan, including delegating tasks and seeking assistance from others, helps caregivers manage their responsibilities.
Conclusion
Coping with liver cancer treatment involves addressing the physical, emotional, social, and financial effects that may arise. Seek the expertise of a liver cancer specialist to ensure you get the best possible care.
Remember to communicate openly with your healthcare team, seek support from professionals and resources, and prioritise self-care for both patients and caregivers so you can navigate this journey with resilience and support.