RESUMO
In an effort to understand the effect of cancer diagnosis and treatment in children and adolescents, and to identify issues that should be addressed with newly diagnosed patients, 85 patients with Ewing's sarcoma family tumors (ESFT) were interviewed about their experience of having cancer. This represents 90% of all eligible patients who survived at least 3 years since their diagnosis and who were treated for ESFT at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) from 1965-1993. The mean age of patients at the time of diagnosis was 15.8 +/- 5.3 years, and mean time since diagnosis was 13.6 +/- 6.4 years. Patients from this cohort had a disease usually related to poor outcome. Patients answered five open-ended written questions. Negative experiences that they described included transient and permanent discomfort and disabilities related to cancer; disruption of life or relationships; and emotional aspects of cancer diagnosis or treatment. Positive aspects of having cancer included changed attitudes about self and life, improved relationships with others, or better job performance. Advice for newly diagnosed patients most often dealt with the emotional aspects of cancer. The importance of patient-to-patient support was frequently described. Overall, having cancer was not an entirely negative experience, and it may result in introspection and improved relationships with others.
Assuntos
Adaptação Psicológica , Neoplasias Ósseas/psicologia , Acontecimentos que Mudam a Vida , Sarcoma de Ewing/psicologia , Sobreviventes/psicologia , Estudos de Coortes , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pesquisa Metodológica em Enfermagem , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
Because of advances in surgical technique, radiation therapy, and combined chemotherapy regimens, there has been a dramatic improvement in the survival of children with pediatric malignancies. All treatment modalities are associated with adverse effects that may be manifested months to years after therapy. This article has provided an overview of the physiologic and psychologic adverse effects of antineoplastic therapy and described the multidisciplinary approach used by one institution to identify and initiate appropriate remedial intervention. Nurses can learn to assist in the identification of adverse late effects, provide support to the family, and facilitate appropriate intervention.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos/efeitos adversos , Neoplasias/terapia , Equipe de Assistência ao Paciente , Radioterapia/efeitos adversos , Logro , Adolescente , Adulto , Criança , Emprego , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Casamento , Processos Mentais , Neoplasias/induzido quimicamente , Neoplasias/psicologia , Neoplasias Induzidas por Radiação/etiologia , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Concepts of immunlogy and the human immune system are essential for an understanding of the rationale of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is presently being investigated as adjunct therapy for patients with cancer. It is therefore essential for the professional nurse to become cognizant of the various modalities and possible complications of immunotherapy in order that the nursing implications may be incorporated into clinical practice.