Staying Relevant: Until there’s a cure, there’s Cancer Services

For over 50 years, Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge has been in this community serving cancer patients, their family members and caregivers. Using the word relevance expresses our promise to stay meaningful and relevant to their needs – even though those needs have changed drastically over the years.  

When Cancer Services opened its doors in the 1950’s, those who heard the words “you have cancer” had fewer options and less hope than today’s cancer patients. As a result, the agency had a hospice feel, providing loaned equipment, home visits and sick room supplies.  Thankfully, today’s advancements have made cancer survivorship a real thing. There are over 12 million cancer survivors in America and the number continues to grow. Over the years Cancer Services has continually responded to stay relevant to today’s survivors. When chemotherapy became mainstream, we addressed its side effects by opening our wig boutique and offering nutritional supplements. When exercise became a recommended option, we started aerobics, yoga and Zumba geared to the physical abilities and needs of survivors. With more people living long-term with cancer, we’ve expanded our support groups and started hosting more survivorship events.

Through our programs and services – and with the generous help of this community – we promise to stay relevant to the needs of cancer patients and their families.   

 

Q&A: Caregiving During the Holidays

Every Sunday, Cancer Services publishes a Cancer Q&A in the Health Section of The Advocate.

Q: My husband is battling cancer and I’m not sure how to handle this during the holiday season. What can I do to make it better for him?

A: First of all, you are already showing your willingness to support him just by inquiring. Here are some ideas for caregivers when caring for someone during the holidays:

• Understand if your loved one is not feeling in the mood to celebrate
• Be supportive of your loved one’s feelings
• Be a good listener
• Keep an eye on your loved one – if your loved one can’t get up or doesn’t get out of bed, this could be a sign of depression
• If your loved one always enjoyed holidays, then offer to decorate for them
• If your loved one wants to send out cards, offer to help address envelopes
• Discuss the holidays in advance
• Make sure the food /smell is not something that would cause nausea
• Don’t compare holidays
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends, family, and neighbors
• Consider talking to a counselor to help you get through what can be a very stressful time.
• Continue healthy eating and exercise

For more information contact Courtney Britton, librarian at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge at 225-927-2273 or visit the Resource Center at 550 Lobdell Avenue.
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Q&A: Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Every Sunday, Cancer Services publishes a Cancer Q&A in the Health Section of The Advocate.

Q: I am currently waiting on a cancer diagnosis. If I do have cancer, what questions should I ask my doctor?

A: Being informed and asking questions can give you some control over your condition and may help you cope. Studies show that patients who are informed about their disease and treatment options usually tend to fare better and have fewer side effects than those who simply follow doctors' orders. However, some people feel overwhelmed by too much information or the details regarding their condition. It is best to think how much information is right for you.

You can use the following list as a starting point. You do not have to ask every question and it might help you think of other questions you would like to ask. It’s a good idea to write your questions down before meeting with your doctor so you are sure not to forget anything. Having another person with you to ask questions and to listen to the answers is also a good idea. You may also want a notebook or tape recorder to capture important notes.

Possible questions for your doctor after a cancer diagnosis:

• What is my diagnosis?
• Has cancer spread to my lymph nodes or anywhere else?
• What is the stage of my cancer? What does this mean?
• How is staging used to determine cancer treatment?
• What is my prognosis (chance of recovery)?
• Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
• What is the goal of treatment? What are my treatment choices? Which do you recommend for me? Why?
• What are the expected benefits of each kind of treatment?
• What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment? How can side effects be managed?
• Will infertility be a side effect of my treatment?
• How often will I have treatments? How long will my treatment last?
• Will I have to change my normal activities? If so, for how long?
• What is the treatment likely to cost? Will my insurance cover the costs?
• What new treatments are under study? Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me?
• If I seek a second opinion, will I have to repeat any tests or procedures?
• What support services are available to me? To my family?
• Whom should I call with questions or concerns during non-business hours?
• May I contact you or the nurse to talk about additional information I find?

For more information contact Courtney Britton, librarian at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge at (225) 927-2273, or visit the Resource Center at 550 Lobdell Avenue.