How to Help a Senior Through Chemotherapy

Going through chemotherapy is traumatic at any age, but seniors may face particular difficulties. They may have pre-existing medical conditions that already impact their independence. This is a time when support is essential, both practical and emotional. Here are a few things to consider to help a senior through this difficult time.

 

Prepare

Preparing for chemotherapy is not easy, and it can be upsetting. For a senior, there may be added complexities, but certain preparations should be considered regardless of age. If there is concern about hair loss, you could help the senior choose wigs to wear during treatment. Consider making the act of shaving hair an event that could be followed by a day out. Look to shop for comfortable clothes that are easy for a senior to put on, no matter how fatigued. In addition to fatigue, dry skin may become an issue, so advise them to use body lotion and lip balm to mitigate this. Make sure that the care team is aware of any non-cancer related medication to establish their safety. Additionally, consult with the team to develop a plan to maintain the senior's health through nutrition, mental stimulation, and physical activity.

 

Create a Support Network

No matter one's age, support is essential. Chemotherapy can be exhausting, stressful, and frightening, and it should not be faced alone. Support can alleviate some of the impact and give a senior an opportunity to rest. Basic acts of self-care can become daunting during chemo. This can itself become a source of anxiety. Delegating tasks to friends and loved ones, as well as to other caregivers, can be a way to reduce the strain. Organize rooms, prepare meals, clean, care for pets, and run errands. These tasks can become overwhelming if they accumulate. Emotional support will also be important. Being listened to and having someone to confide in can feel like a weight has been lifted. One way to maintain support is assembling a “phone team” to keep everyone up to date and aware when it's alright to contact and visit.

 

Promote Nutrition

Chemotherapy can adversely affect taste and smell, leading to reduced appetite. However, a diet of up to 8,000 calories may be necessary for a senior during treatment. A big breakfast could be a good approach to deal with appetite loss. Consider foods high in fiber and calories, such as fruits, yogurts, smoothies, and whole-grain cereals, as they can alleviate some of chemotherapy's physical side effects. Also, make food more appealing by adding flavor through safe spices. It may be a good idea to avoid meals that need to be heated to minimize smells that might inhibit appetite. Make sure that there is snacking between meals throughout the day. Fruits and vegetables are good choices, as are yogurt and peanut butter. Lastly, look to minimize chemo-related nausea through cold ginger tea and water.

 

Opioid Vigilance

Chemotherapy can cause painful side effects. This is common for all ages, but older patients may be more prone to it. Pain relief is something that may become necessary. If pain is experienced, don't hesitate to alert the senior's care team so they can assess if medication should be provided. Unfortunately, with concerns about an opioid epidemic, there is fear of addiction. However, when used responsibly and where there is no history of addiction, opioids can be taken safely. One precaution to take is mindfulness of behavioral changes. Have a conversation with the senior about symptoms, as awareness can prevent escalation. Symptoms can include taking an excessive dosage or using medication to manage stressful or upsetting situations. Any use of pain relief that seems irregular should be communicated to the care team. Remember, however, that everyone deserves relief from pain. Sometimes, upsetting symptoms do occur, especially after withdrawal, but that is normal and does not equate to addiction.

 

No one can be prepared for chemotherapy, nor for providing support to someone going through it. Thankfully, there is much that can be done to ease the strain. Whatever care is provided, you will, above all, be ensuring that they do not face cancer alone.

 

Author

Scott Sanders is the creator of CancerWell.org, which provides resources and support for anyone who has been affected by any form of cancer. He is also the author of the book Put Yourself First: A Guide to Self-care and Spiritual Wellness During and After Cancer Treatment, coming Summer 2018!

6 Compassionate Ways to Support a Loved One During Cancer Treatment

Authored by Scott Sanders <info@cancerwell.org>

Nearly 39% of Americans will deal with a cancer diagnosis at some point during their life. It’s a common condition that impacts millions of people each year but if you have a loved one who is being treated for cancer, they may be feeling alone. Chemotherapy and other forms of cancer treatment are painful, uncomfortable and exhausting, so it helps to have someone around to offer comfort and support. If you want to help a loved one in their battle against cancer, here are six ways to start. 

Help Them Organize Their Home

Going through treatment can make your loved one feel chaotic so it helps to have a calm, organized space to come home to. Spend a day or two helping them declutter and arrange their home for easy access and convenience. If your friend or family member is in chemo, regular cleaning is crucial to prevent infections and complications. It’s best for chemo patients to not take on the cleaning themselves, so if you have the time tackle these sanitation tasks for them. If you can’t manage alone, ask friends or family members for help or consider hiring a professional cleaning service.

Get Out, or Stay In, to Have Some Fun

There will be days when they are just too tired to get out and that’s okay. But it’s still important for you to help them find ways to feel happy. Go for a quiet walk through your favorite park or along the beach. If they don’t feel up to activity, try something more subdued like a movie night at home featuring your favorite comedies. Laughing can be very therapeutic, so find ways to help them smile while going through this tough time.

Prepare or Order Some Healthy, Soothing Meals

Your loved one may not be up for cooking but it’s essential that they nourish their bodies while going through treatment. Help them out with some meal prep on weekends and prepare foods that are easy to eat and easy on the body. Chemotherapy can cause nausea and painful mouth sores, so think about pulling together lighter fare, such as chicken soup or soothing ginger popsicles. Keeping healthy foods available will help them keep their energy up through taxing treatments.

Find Ways to Encourage Rest and Self-Care

Rest and calm are vital to healing so help your loved one create a quiet space in their home for rest and relaxation. Work together to choose a cozy, comfortable space and add elements that will provide a much needed distraction from stress. Maybe pick up some detoxifying plants and some soothing essential oils or candles.  Encourage mindful meditation and stress-relieving activities for your time together. If they feel up to it, you could book a day at the spa to unwind or even celebrate chemo victories.

Open Up Your Heart and Listen

Cancer is a heavy topic and those going through treatment often need a firm shoulder to cry on. Let your loved one open up to you as much as they like, even if it means talking about uncomfortable topics, like death. You don’t have to know what to say, and in fact, you don’t need to say anything at all during these times. Just listen with an open heart. If you start to feel down or overwhelmed, but you still want to stick around, seek out ways to decompress or think about talking to someone who can help you out.

Be There Through the Ups and Downs

Battling cancer can be a roller coaster of experiences and emotions and it helps to have someone there for the ride. Know that your loved one may experience days of joy mixed with days of pain. Calm and comfort them throughout their journey. Just being by their side is a true testament to your love and compassion. Take time to take care of yourself as well, however, so you can stay strong through their battles and your own. 

Cancer treatment is tough but caring, compassionate friends can make all the difference to a cancer patient. Your gifts of help and hope will provide respite and comfort when needed most. 

Tai chi could help overcome cognitive effects of chemotherapy

June 7, 2011

Science Daily/University of Missouri-Columbia

Previous studies have indicated that a significant number of patients who receive chemotherapy also experience cognitive declines, including decreases in verbal fluency and memory. Now, one psychologist has found evidence that indicates Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art, might help overcome some of those problems.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 11.4 million Americans are currently living with cancer. While cancer treatments are plentiful, many have negative side effects. Previous studies have indicated that a significant number of patients who receive chemotherapy also experience cognitive declines, including decreases in verbal fluency and memory. Now, one University of Missouri health psychologist has found evidence that indicates Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art, might help overcome some of those problems.

"Scientists have known for years that Tai Chi positively impacts physical and emotional health, but this small study also uncovered evidence that it might help cognitive functioning as well," said Stephanie Reid-Arndt, assistant professor and chair of the Department of Health Psychology in the School of Health Professions. "We know this activity can help people with their quality of life in general, and with this new study, we are encouraged about how Tai Chi could also help those who have received chemotherapy. I also hope this encourages more people to think about Tai Chi positively on a broader scale in their lives."

"Tai Chi really helps individuals focus their attention, and this study also demonstrates how good Tai Chi could be for anyone, whether or not they have undergone treatment for cancer," Reid-Arndt said. "Due to the small size of this study, we really need to test a larger group of individuals to gain a better understanding of the specific benefits of this activity for patients who have been treated with chemotherapy and how significant these improvements might be."

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606152208.htm