What is the significance of palliative medicine in the treatment of advanced cancer?
August 25, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Andrea Schlosser
Dear Doctor,
My name is Sophia Bittner and I am suffering from advanced cancer. Lately, I have heard a lot about palliative care, but I am unsure about what role it could play in my treatment.
Currently, I am in a stage where the cure of my illness is unfortunately no longer possible. I have already undergone various therapies, but unfortunately my condition has not improved. I am experiencing severe pain and often feel very weak and tired. My worries are growing as I do not know exactly what to expect in the future and how to best alleviate my symptoms.
Therefore, I am wondering what significance palliative care could have in my case. Can it help improve my quality of life and alleviate my pain? Are there specific treatment options that could support me? And how can I best prepare for palliative care?
I am very grateful for your support and would like to learn more about the role of palliative care in the treatment of advanced cancer. Your expertise and advice would be of great importance to me in order to better cope with my illness.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Sophia Bittner
Dear Mrs. Bittner,
I thank you for your trust and your open words regarding your situation. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from advanced cancer and are in a stage where healing is unfortunately no longer possible. It is understandable that you are worried about your future and are seeking ways to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Palliative care plays a crucial role in the treatment of advanced cancer. Its main goal is to improve patients' quality of life, alleviate symptoms, and provide support for psychological, social, and spiritual burdens. Palliative care is not an alternative to cancer therapy, but a complement that can be used alongside active treatment.
In your case, palliative care could help alleviate your pain and control your symptoms. You can benefit from specific treatment options such as pain management, palliative care, physiotherapy, psychological support, and nutritional counseling. Palliative care aims to improve your quality of life, promote your independence, and help you cope with your daily life as best as possible.
It is important to prepare for palliative care by discussing your wishes, needs, and goals with your treating doctor or a palliative care team. Together, you can create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your personal needs. It is also advisable to involve your family members in the decision-making process and educate yourself about your treatment options.
I recommend that you openly discuss your symptoms, fears, and concerns with your doctor so that appropriate palliative care can be provided. You have the right to participate in decisions about your treatment and express your wishes. Palliative care can help improve your quality of life and alleviate your symptoms so that you can cope with your daily life as best as possible.
I am available to answer your questions and support you in designing your palliative care. Feel free to contact me if you need more information or support.
Best regards,
Andrea Schlosser
