Many patients with esophageal cancer may face not only physical problems during their treatment but also psychological problems. As a malignant disease, the diagnosis of cancer can come as a surprise to patients and their families and friends. In addition to the treatment of cancer, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, patients also have to deal with problems that affect them in a physical and emotional sense.
However, there are lots of physical changes which occur because of cancer treatment, and this can affect the patient emotionally too. Therefore, during cancer treatment, it is essential for the patient to build confidence and remain strong and positive.
Understanding What to Expect
There are so many unknowns when someone is being treated for cancer. As a result, there are so many questions that arise in the minds of patients and their families. What will the next treatment be for the person with cancer? Will there be any side effects from that treatment? Will the person be able to return to activities that they enjoy, such as work and spending time with family and friends? Will the person be able to function and meet their responsibilities in the days and months that follow treatment? What will happen after treatment has ended?
When patients receive details about their treatment, they are able to deal with the corresponding concerns better. In this context, it is recommended that patients ask their cancer team for a detailed explanation of their treatment. In particular, they should find out about the goals of their treatment, the time frame of each treatment, the potential side effects of the treatment and the corresponding symptoms that need to be reported to the health care team without delay. To make the best use of the time with the health care team, all questions should be written down before the appointment.
In terms of how treatment is decided for individual patients, factors taken into account can include the stage of the patient’s cancer, the type of tumor that the patient has been diagnosed with, the patient’s overall health and their personal preferences.
Taking Treatment One Step at a Time
Esophageal cancer treatment is a long, grueling process therefore patients can set long term, short-term, and attainable goals. Patients can set goals for themselves for the next few days, such as attending their next appointment, dealing with a certain side effect, or maintaining their nutrition. Patients may need food to maintain their strength, and also plenty of rest.
Patients can set a number of short-term goals for themselves to try to deal with the symptoms of their cancer and their treatment. Patients can also set short-term goals with the help of their family and friends. These short-term goals can be for things such as attending a certain number of appointments, dealing with a certain number of side effects, trying to eat enough to get in enough calories, etc. Treatment for cancer can be very difficult to deal with and having short-term goals can help to make it easier.
A simple calendar can help patients keep track of upcoming appointments, medications, and other treatment-related tasks. Family members or caregivers may provide support during treatment.
Protecting Nutrition and Physical Strength
As mentioned previously, some of the symptoms and treatment side effects can cause people with esophageal cancer a lot of problems in relation to eating. Many patients have problems with swallowing (dysphagia) caused by the primary tumor or by some of the treatments given for the cancer. In addition to this, there are a number of other symptoms that can affect a person’s appetite for food and their ability to eat. These include feeling sick (nausea and vomiting) and having mouth and throat problems, such as mouth ulcers and sore throats. Some patients with esophageal cancer may lose a lot of weight as a result of their illness and/or treatment.
A registered dietitian or another qualified member of the healthcare team can assess a patient’s nutritional needs and recommend an individualized plan for calories, protein, fluids, and other nutrients. In some cases, the healthcare team may discuss additional nutrition support, which can include a feeding tube.
Even though the cancer itself can make it difficult to swallow for many patients with esophageal cancer, in addition to this symptom, many patients can also experience nausea, have mouth or throat sores, have a decreased appetite and even experience weight loss during their treatment. All these symptoms can affect a patient’s ability to eat well.
Making Room for Emotional Challenges
Cancer patients may experience a wide array of feelings while receiving treatment. These can include feelings of fear, sadness, frustration, anger, and uncertainty, to name a few. It is important for the patient to understand these feelings are normal.
Some people prefer to talk to their family and friends, others would like to talk to a counselor, social worker, psychologist, or spiritual advisor. And there are also cancer support groups, where patients can talk to others who are going through a similar experience. These groups do not have to be restricted to discussions about cancer, and patients can also talk about other things that are happening in their lives.
Cancer and its treatment can have a significant effect on daily life. When clinically appropriate and manageable, patients may continue activities such as listening to music, walking, or reading.
Staying Involved in Care
Patients can choose how involved they want to be in decisions about cancer care. They may ask their healthcare team to explain unfamiliar terms, the goals and expected benefits of treatment, potential risks and side effects, and which symptoms require prompt or emergency medical attention.
Many cancer patients and their families may consider getting a second opinion about a cancer diagnosis, or a cancer treatment plan. Some patients might be eligible to participate in a clinical trial. These trials study new cancer treatments and their effectiveness. The cancer care team may help manage the symptoms, which is an important part of supportive care.
Building Resilience Without Expecting Perfection
Resilience during cancer treatment does not mean feeling strong all the time or never experiencing fear or sadness. It can involve adapting to challenges or seeking support to make informed decisions based on needs and preferences.
Many patients may be stronger on some days than on others. While on some days they may feel fine before their appointment, on others they may feel anxious. Some days they may be physically strong, while on others they may be weak. And even if they are not failing, they may feel as though they are. By treating each of these areas individually, patients can find ways to be confident during cancer treatment. This confidence does not have to come all at once. Instead, it can develop gradually as patients become more informed about their treatment and as they learn to access the support they need.
In summary, cancer patients can become confident in their treatment while they are becoming educated, prepared, and are able to communicate with their health care team effectively. They can become confident in their treatment through support from their loved ones, friends, and others.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice, clinical guidelines, or a recommendation for any specific treatment.