Help me with my project?: Hi, I'm new... - Radiotherapy Canc...

Radiotherapy Cancer Treatment

Help me with my project?

Jess-ica profile image
4 Replies

Hi, I'm new here

I'm a design student studying in Newcastle. I was wondering if you could help me out with a project?

I want to look into improving quality of life for people undergoing cancer treatment can you tell me what you found difficult? It can be anything from boring waiting rooms to after-care recovery nothing is to small if you think it's important.

Thanks!

Written by
Jess-ica profile image
Jess-ica
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
4 Replies
JenDxbc profile image
JenDxbc

Hi Jessica.....I live in Canada. Not sure about treatment in other countries but I know I was fortunate to live here. Nine years ago...I started treatment for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer or TNBC.

1)There was no cost to me. Between our healthcare system and my benefits plus my husbands benefits...most things were covered. Not having any financial burden at this difficult time in my life was huge. I would become very sad when women from the USA would be pleading for people to share their medications.

2) Guidance. I received a pamphlet in my mailbox at work for Carepath just a few days before I discovered my lump. This is an organization that my employer, a School Board, purchased. I live in a small rural community so accessing support by phone was a lifesaver. Research this company. They are amazing. Sadly, I have a friend who does not have this support and she really needs it. It is something I wish was designed into your treatment plan.

3) Paid leave. This is not the time you should be worrying about your job security or finances.

4) Premenopausal women are thrown into menopause. And with this, in my case, I had many nights of hot flashes, days of mood swings, lots of crying, a total sense of no control etc... It was horrible!

5) Mindful activities. After my treatment I gravitated towards Tia Chi. It fulfilled my need for exercise and internal peace. Any activities (pottery, beading, colouring, yoga, Mindful Class, walking in the woods) that are good for mind/body/soul

6)Radiation. This was by far the most difficult process for me. You got it for 5 days in a row. Then the weekends off. I had to move to my parents for 6 weeks or live 3 hrs away with no family nearby. I chose my parents place. I was 5 hours from my husband and two children ages 12 and 14. I would have less than three years before my late onset radiation brachioplexus neuropathy would irreversibly change my left hand and arm forever. I have constant nerve pain on my left shoulder, arm and hand.

7) By some miracle I survived and so did my family and marriage. But there are scars. My son seemed to self-medicate with drugs/alcohol. My daughter developed severe anxiety. After 9 years, things seem to have reached a new normal for all of us. My kids are now educated adults and on their own.

If you have any questions, I would be happy to reply. Good luck with this interesting and challenging topic. Jennie

Jess-ica profile image
Jess-ica in reply to JenDxbc

wow thank you, what a response! This is really insightful and helpful for my project I appreciate you sharing all these experiences with me

Hi Jessica

There has been a lot of work done on what patients find difficult; it is good to see your interest. I suggest you contact Macmillan macmillan.org.uk/ or even Maggies maggiescentres.org/

which is a charity that has set up designed centres to help patients. Good luck.Pat

Jess-ica profile image
Jess-ica in reply to

thanks! I've found so many resources there including the rich picture that is so useful