By Cheryl Ellis, Staff Writer
Coping with the diagnosis of cancer is only the
beginning of the journey. The entire process
of diagnosis, treatment and changes in lifestyle are
day by day hurdles for both caregiver and loved one.
Lung cancer’s association with smoking, second
hand smoke and environmental irritants such as
asbestos are factors that modify how one handles the
diagnosis. The feelings of guilt about smoking or
job choices (in the case of asbestos handling) are
important to address with caring professionals and
your loved one.
Lung Cancer Variations
Small and large cell lung cancers can
be “mixed,” creating three categories of
lung cancer which can affect the lungs.
Generally, cancers are designated “small
cell” or “non-small cell.” These
cancers are further subdivided into
adenocarcinoma, histopathologic and
other designations that pertain to the
shape of the cancer cells and/or their
location.
The outlook for patients with various
cancers is improving and changing with
each clinical study and each individual
diagnosed with cancer.
Diagnostics, Staging and
Classification
Stage 1 and Stage 2 tumors of the
lung are treated by cutting the tumor
out and in some cases, following with
radiation therapy to inhibit re-growth.
If the individual cannot undergo
surgery, radiation alone is used to
destroy the tumor. In some cases,
tumors can be “lasered,” which literally
burns the tumor away. The laser
can be used via a flexible scope which
is inserted into the lung while the
person is mildly sedated.
More complicated is the Stage 3 lung
cancer division, where patients may have
lymph nodes with cancer cells, or cancer
cells in another area such as the
mediastinum, the area separating the
right and left sides of the chest.
The affected sections of the lung
indicate which “type” of Stage 3 process
is going on and treatment selection is
presented accordingly.
Stage 4 and some Stage 3 cancer
patients are given the options of
“comfort care” or chemotherapy.
Individuals with Stage 4 or “recurrent”
cancer may have measurable benefits from
chemotherapy, more so than being made
comfortable.
Caregiver Coping
Depression and anxiety over the
diagnosis affect caregivers, sometimes
more drastically than the loved one.
The dynamic of the personal relationship
can influence whether caregiver or loved
one “shows” the anxiety and depression
more profoundly.
With help from medical professionals
involved in your loved one’s care,
caregivers can be guided to other
professionals and groups that focus on
coping with the diagnosis. Today’s
cancer centers focus on the healing
approach for everyone involved, not just
the patient.
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