Parents face many unique challenges when diagnosed with cancer. Perhaps one of the biggest hurdles is learning how to communicate with children about this difficult and emotional subject. In this Cancer Conversations podcast episode, Kelly Drummond, LICSW, a Dana-Farber social worker joins Dana-Farber social worker Allison Dibiaso, LICSW, and Sarah Silvia, a single mom who … Read more
by Rick Fingerman, CFP Financial worries can be hard enough when you’re healthy, but dealing with finances during cancer treatment is especially difficult. During treatment, your or your family’s income may drop and your expenses will likely increase. I have overseen the Dana-Farber Pro Bono Financial Coaching Program since 2008 and many of the issues … Read more
When you learn your child has cancer, the natural response is to do anything possible to make them happy. However, it is important to balance this desire to comfort with an understanding of what is in your son or daughter’s best interest. This is especially true when your child with cancer exhibits difficult behaviors. “Even … Read more
After more than a year of chemotherapy and radiation, Pamela Gasek was finally cancer free. She had completed treatment for breast cancer, but now she had to decide how to move forward. Breast cancer remission brings new challenges such as managing relationships and dealing with lasting side effects from treatment, and Gasek needed some guidance. … Read more
They arrived at their profession – and to Dana-Farber – on different paths, but nurses Jade Callender, RN, BSN; Jane Goldie, RN; Kaitlen Reyes, DNP, FNP; and Courtney Shea, RN, BSN, share a passion for oncology nursing. In honor of National Nurses Week May 6-12, the four share what they enjoy most about their roles. … Read more
Just hearing the word chemotherapy can bring forth a slew of worries and concerns for new cancer patients: “Does it hurt? Will it cause my hair to fall out? Is it safe for me to be around my loved ones? Will I feel nauseous or start vomiting as soon as treatment begins?” Such concerns are … Read more
By Bob Ferris I thought I could handle things myself when my wife, Ruth, got cancer – and for a while I did. Six years ago, at age 52, Ruth was diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer. She has a family history of ovarian and endometrial cancers, and was always good about getting regular screenings, … Read more
A doctor’s visit can be stressful, but for some cancer patients, the exams and procedures that come with diagnosis and treatment can be especially anxiety-inducing. For some, the mixture of anxiety and a negative experience during a procedure can lead to the development of a medical phobia. For others, the demands of cancer treatment force … Read more
Support from social work has been found to improve health-related outcomes for patients and families.
Treatment for cancer may cause changes in the way patients feel about their bodies and about sex. Some may feel disconnected from their bodies after chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and surgery, while others undergo major physical changes such as early menopause or erectile disfunction. “If sex is different than it used to be and it causes … Read more
Cancer survivorship programs and services used to be something that patients would think about as they neared the end of active treatment, but that’s changing. “More Americans are surviving cancer than ever before, and partly as a result of that, the model for survivorship care is changing,” says Ann Partridge, MD, MPH, director of Dana-Farber’s … Read more
By Philip Daley As someone who has lived in New Hampshire most of my life, I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors. When my friend James Bode hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in California a few years ago, I followed his progress on his blog and thought how cool it would be to try something similar someday. … Read more
One of the most important parts of cancer treatment involves talking with your cancer care team. During your care it’s vital that you are able to openly discuss different aspects of your health, treatment, and symptoms you might be experiencing. To make the most of conversations with your care team, consider the following tips: Do … Read more
Over two-thirds of patients who receive chemotherapy report experiencing a mental fog during or after treatment. This is often referred to as chemo brain.
By Fremonta Meyer, MD Many people – cancer patients and others – have fears and misconceptions about taking medication to manage their mood, reduce anxiety, and treat conditions such as depression. Some believe taking medication for psychological reasons means they are weak, while others fear they will get addicted to medication or that they will … Read more
The holidays bring heartwarming scenes of homecoming and family gatherings, but such plans can be sidetracked by treatment for cancer and related diseases. If you or a loved one need to spend all or part of the holidays in the hospital, consider these tips for brightening the season. Learn what’s allowed. Before you get your … Read more
By Sue Morris, PsyD While the number of cancer survivors continues to increase, unfortunately some cancer patients do die from their diseases, leaving grieving family members and friends behind. Many people avoid talking to someone whose loved one has just died – from cancer or other causes – because it makes them feel uncomfortable and … Read more
A cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment can come with many different emotions: anger, frustration, fear, anxiety, and sadness. For some patients, that sadness can become a serious issue; approximately one quarter of cancer patients become depressed during or after treatment. “Patients will have feelings of sadness and a lack of energy from time to time … Read more
Regardless of age or diagnosis, insomnia is one of the most common side effects cancer patients experience. That doesn’t mean it should be taken lightly. Insomnia should be discussed with your cancer team, as it can lead to other health issues. Fortunately, there are new and novel approaches patients can consider instead of sleeping medication. … Read more
Many people will spend the days after Halloween trying to shed weight from excess candy, but Griffin Lincoln will be seeking all the pounds he can – with good reason. For the fifth year, the Canton, Mass., teenager will be collecting leftover Halloween goodies and giving them to Dana-Farber for distribution throughout the year at … Read more