Always
Learning to live with cancer
Cancer is a common disease. Almost 40 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetimes. Even though cancer may be life-threatening, many people have successful treatment. Others live with cancer for a very long time.
For most people with cancer, learning to live with the disease is one of the biggest challenges they've ever faced. That's because having cancer touches just about every part of your life and the lives of those around you.
Cancer and its treatment may change:
- Your daily routines and ability to work
- Your important relationships
- The way you look, feel, and think about yourself
You may feel more in control and prepared to cope with these changes if you learn about what to expect. Your health care provider can help you find information and support services that are right for you.
Coping with feelings about having cancerHaving cancer may cause a range of strong emotions, such as sadness, anger, fear, worry, or guilt. These feelings are normal, and they're likely to change over time. It's helpful to sort out your feelings in a way that's comfortable for you. You might try:
- Talking openly with someone you trust
- Writing about your feelings
- Using relaxation methods, such as meditation and other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
- Doing things you enjoy to give yourself a break from focusing on cancer
If your emotions seem to take over your life, tell your provider. You may need extra support if you have symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, or panic disorder.
Communicating with your health care teamDuring cancer treatment, you usually have a team of providers. Along with doctors and nurses, you may be able to talk with social workers, pharmacists, dietitians, and other health professionals.
These professionals are prepared to help you deal with the issues that cancer brings up, including concerns about finances. But it's up to you to let your team know what's on your mind.
Good communication with your providers may help you feel more in control and satisfied with your care. Your communications may be better if you:
- Tell your providers how much you want to know about your cancer and its treatment. Do you want all the details or just the big picture?
- Write down your questions and concerns before your visits.
- Bring a family member or a friend to your visits. This person can help by listening, taking notes, and asking questions.
Cancer changes the daily routines and roles of the people who love and support you. They may need to start doing the things you've always done for them. And you may need their help doing things you've always done for yourself. These changes can be difficult for everyone.
It may help to have an honest talk about changing roles and needs. If that sounds too difficult, ask a social worker or other member of your care team to help you talk with family and friends who are helping with your care. These caregivers may need some support, too.
Dealing with changes in your self-imageCancer and its treatment may cause some big changes in how you look, feel, and think about yourself. For example, you may have:
- Less energy
- Temporary or permanent changes in your body, such as scars, or hair loss from chemotherapy
- Problems being sexually close or doubts about dating
Coping with these changes can be hard. But most people find ways to feel more positive over time. If you feel well enough, you might try:
- Exercise. Walking, yoga, or other movement may help you feel stronger and more in control of your body. But check with your provider first.
- Staying involved in life and helping others. Think about volunteering, hobbies, or other activities that might make you feel good about yourself.
- Counseling for sexual problems. Talking with a professional, either with a partner or on your own, may help.
After treatment, you'll have regular cancer follow-up care. Your provider will explain the schedule of checkups and tests you'll need. This is a good time to discuss the challenges you may face ahead. Knowing what to expect may help you make plans as you find a "new normal" with cancer as part of your life.
NIH: National Cancer Institute
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Always
ARNICA MONTANA
The dried flower-heads of Arnica montana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A perennial of Siberia and the cooler parts of Europe; also found in... / ...infusion of the flowers is less irritant than the tincture. After applying the latter, which should always be well diluted, the surface should not be covered or bandaged, so that evaporation may take ...1
The dried flower-heads of Arnica montana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A perennial of Siberia and the cooler parts of Europe; also found in... / ...infusion of the flowers is less irritant than the tincture. After applying the latter, which should always be well diluted, the surface should not be covered or bandaged, so that evaporation may take ...1
BRYONIA
The root of Bryonia dioica, Jacquin, and Bryonia alba,... / ...us inflammation; tenderness on pressure; tearing pain with sore feeling in any part of the body and always aggravated by motion; moderately full or hard wiry vibratile pulse; headache from frontal reg......sping or explosive, showing its origin in irritation or erethism. Tensive or sharp pains are almost always present, and the secretion, if there is any, is small in quantit1
The root of Bryonia dioica, Jacquin, and Bryonia alba,... / ...us inflammation; tenderness on pressure; tearing pain with sore feeling in any part of the body and always aggravated by motion; moderately full or hard wiry vibratile pulse; headache from frontal reg......sping or explosive, showing its origin in irritation or erethism. Tensive or sharp pains are almost always present, and the secretion, if there is any, is small in quantit1
CACTUS (Selenicereus spp.)
The fresh, green stems and the flowers of Selenicereus grandiflorus (L.) Britt. & Rose (and other Selenicereus speciesMM) (Cereus grandiflorus,... / ...tendency is to promote normal rhythmic action of the cardiac muscle. Aortic regurgitation is nearly always benefited by it and it is useful in progressive valvular weakness, but is contraindicated in ... / ...is a good remedy in the heart troubles produced by to1
The fresh, green stems and the flowers of Selenicereus grandiflorus (L.) Britt. & Rose (and other Selenicereus speciesMM) (Cereus grandiflorus,... / ...tendency is to promote normal rhythmic action of the cardiac muscle. Aortic regurgitation is nearly always benefited by it and it is useful in progressive valvular weakness, but is contraindicated in ... / ...is a good remedy in the heart troubles produced by to1
CANTHARIS
The dried beetles, Cantharis vesicatoria (Linné), De Geer. (Ord. Coleoptera.) Southern Europe. Dose, 1 grain. Common Name: Spanish Fly; Synonym:... / ...ered cantharides is the smallest amount known to have produced death. Cases of poisoning are almost always confined to those who take cantharis to produce abortion. There is no known chemical or physi...1
The dried beetles, Cantharis vesicatoria (Linné), De Geer. (Ord. Coleoptera.) Southern Europe. Dose, 1 grain. Common Name: Spanish Fly; Synonym:... / ...ered cantharides is the smallest amount known to have produced death. Cases of poisoning are almost always confined to those who take cantharis to produce abortion. There is no known chemical or physi...1
COLLINSONIA
The fresh root and plant of Collinsonia canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Labiatae.) Damp and rich soils of woods from Canada to Florida. Common... / ...of varicocele and varicose veins of the legs. In whatever disorder collinsonia is helpful, there is always a sense of weight and constriction, venous engorgement, dilated capillaries, and muscular ato...1
The fresh root and plant of Collinsonia canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Labiatae.) Damp and rich soils of woods from Canada to Florida. Common... / ...of varicocele and varicose veins of the legs. In whatever disorder collinsonia is helpful, there is always a sense of weight and constriction, venous engorgement, dilated capillaries, and muscular ato...1
CUSSO
The female inflorescence of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce), Gmelin (Nat. Ord. Rosaceae). Abyssinia. Dose, 4 to 5 drachms. Common Names: Kousso, Kusso,... / ...s for the removal of tapeworm. Being more or less irritant to the gastro-intestinal tract it is not always well retained by the stomach. About 4 to 5 drachms of the flowers are to be suspended in wate...1
The female inflorescence of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce), Gmelin (Nat. Ord. Rosaceae). Abyssinia. Dose, 4 to 5 drachms. Common Names: Kousso, Kusso,... / ...s for the removal of tapeworm. Being more or less irritant to the gastro-intestinal tract it is not always well retained by the stomach. About 4 to 5 drachms of the flowers are to be suspended in wate...1
ELATERIUM
The feculence of the juice of the fruit of Ecballium Elaterium (Linné), A. Richard. (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) A trailing vine of southern... / ...ue cathartics. As such it is indicated only in individuals strong enough to stand depletion, and is always contraindicated in the weak and feeble. Overdoses-even a few grains-may produce a diffuse gas... / ...is preferred by some physicians, though elaterium, notwithstanding its impurities, seems to be more generally efficient than its derivative.1
The feculence of the juice of the fruit of Ecballium Elaterium (Linné), A. Richard. (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) A trailing vine of southern... / ...ue cathartics. As such it is indicated only in individuals strong enough to stand depletion, and is always contraindicated in the weak and feeble. Overdoses-even a few grains-may produce a diffuse gas... / ...is preferred by some physicians, though elaterium, notwithstanding its impurities, seems to be more generally efficient than its derivative.1
GUARANAPACU7
A dried paste, chiefly consisting of the crushed or pounded seeds of Paullinia Cupana, Kunth (Nat. Ord. Sapindaceae), yielding not less than 4 per... / ... Every movement causes an aggravation of the pain, the patient is mindweary, and cerebral anemia is always present. It sometimes relieves lumbago, and while contraindicated in sthenic neuralgias it so... / ...30 drops of the specific medicine should be given.1
A dried paste, chiefly consisting of the crushed or pounded seeds of Paullinia Cupana, Kunth (Nat. Ord. Sapindaceae), yielding not less than 4 per... / ... Every movement causes an aggravation of the pain, the patient is mindweary, and cerebral anemia is always present. It sometimes relieves lumbago, and while contraindicated in sthenic neuralgias it so... / ...30 drops of the specific medicine should be given.1
HYOSCYAMUS
The leaves and flowering or fruiting tops of Hyoscyamus niger, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Europe; naturalized in waste places in the United... / ...adonna, but less effective than opium. Where it can be made to control the pain, however, it should always be preferred to the latter. Hyoscyamus is a better remedy for spasm, especially tubular and s... / ...conditions best. Hence its value in nervous headache, the headache of debility, the vague pains of so-called chronic rheumatism, idiopath1
The leaves and flowering or fruiting tops of Hyoscyamus niger, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Europe; naturalized in waste places in the United... / ...adonna, but less effective than opium. Where it can be made to control the pain, however, it should always be preferred to the latter. Hyoscyamus is a better remedy for spasm, especially tubular and s... / ...conditions best. Hence its value in nervous headache, the headache of debility, the vague pains of so-called chronic rheumatism, idiopath1
LYCOPUSLYSH2
The whole herb Lycopus virginicus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Labiatae). Common in shady, moist and boggy places throughout the United States. Dose, 1 to... / ...o marked improvement under its administration. It quickly relieves the suffering and anxiety nearly always experienced in heart diseases; and is of especial value to relieve the rapid heart action of ... / ...in simple diarrhea (lientery), dysenteric diarrhea, and especially in the diarrhea of phthisis, and the gastric disturbances of the drunkard.1
The whole herb Lycopus virginicus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Labiatae). Common in shady, moist and boggy places throughout the United States. Dose, 1 to... / ...o marked improvement under its administration. It quickly relieves the suffering and anxiety nearly always experienced in heart diseases; and is of especial value to relieve the rapid heart action of ... / ...in simple diarrhea (lientery), dysenteric diarrhea, and especially in the diarrhea of phthisis, and the gastric disturbances of the drunkard.1
OLEUM TEREBINTHINAE RECTIFICATUM
Rectified Oil of Turpentine, Rectified Turpentine Oil. Description.A thin colorless liquid corresponding to the properties described under Oleum... / ...state of the alimentary canal; and it restrains excessive secretion when due to lack of tone. It is always a remedy for atony and debility; never for active and plethoric conditions. In typhoid or ent...1
Rectified Oil of Turpentine, Rectified Turpentine Oil. Description.A thin colorless liquid corresponding to the properties described under Oleum... / ...state of the alimentary canal; and it restrains excessive secretion when due to lack of tone. It is always a remedy for atony and debility; never for active and plethoric conditions. In typhoid or ent...1
OPIUM
The milky exudate, air dried, obtained by incising unripe capsules of the growing plant Papaveris somniferum, Linné; and its variety, album, De... / ...phine Salts. Pulse soft and open, or when waves are short, and it gives a sensation of fullness and always lacking hardness, skin soft, tongue moist, face pale, eyes dull and expressionless and immobi... / ...filaments, benumbing them against pain, and finally the motor nerves come under its depressing power. While the exact cause of its pain-relieving1
The milky exudate, air dried, obtained by incising unripe capsules of the growing plant Papaveris somniferum, Linné; and its variety, album, De... / ...phine Salts. Pulse soft and open, or when waves are short, and it gives a sensation of fullness and always lacking hardness, skin soft, tongue moist, face pale, eyes dull and expressionless and immobi... / ...filaments, benumbing them against pain, and finally the motor nerves come under its depressing power. While the exact cause of its pain-relieving1
RHUS TOXICODENDRON
...dly poisoned by it; many more, however, show serious evidence of its great activity. Contact is not always necessary to obtain its effects. Indeed, many individuals apparently are poisoned merely by e......rol is the toxic agent, and consequently driven off in heating. The nature of poisoning by rhus has always partaken somewhat of the mysterious, and it has been the subject of much speculation. Various...1
...dly poisoned by it; many more, however, show serious evidence of its great activity. Contact is not always necessary to obtain its effects. Indeed, many individuals apparently are poisoned merely by e......rol is the toxic agent, and consequently driven off in heating. The nature of poisoning by rhus has always partaken somewhat of the mysterious, and it has been the subject of much speculation. Various...1
SENECIO
The whole plant of Senecio aureus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Northern and western parts of the United States. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common... / ...r, and restrains undue and vitiated secretions. Atony of the ovaries with impairment of function is always present in cases requiring senecio. There is also perineal weight and fullness, and in chroni... / ...urination. The dose of specific medicine senecio, the best preparation of it, is from five to sixty drops in water, three or four times a day.1
The whole plant of Senecio aureus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Northern and western parts of the United States. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common... / ...r, and restrains undue and vitiated secretions. Atony of the ovaries with impairment of function is always present in cases requiring senecio. There is also perineal weight and fullness, and in chroni... / ...urination. The dose of specific medicine senecio, the best preparation of it, is from five to sixty drops in water, three or four times a day.1
SINAPIS NIGRA
The ripe seeds of Brassica nigra (Linné), Koch (Nat. Ord. Cruciferae). Asia and southern Europe; cultivated. Dose (emetic), 1 to 3... / ... plaster. However, for general purposes the plaster, mustard leaves or papers, are most convenient, always ready for immediate use, and quickly and cleanly applied, first dipping them in water. It mus... / ...mustard internally is to cause emesis in cases of narcotic poisoning. Besides acting as a prompt emetic, there is the added value of reflex st1
The ripe seeds of Brassica nigra (Linné), Koch (Nat. Ord. Cruciferae). Asia and southern Europe; cultivated. Dose (emetic), 1 to 3... / ... plaster. However, for general purposes the plaster, mustard leaves or papers, are most convenient, always ready for immediate use, and quickly and cleanly applied, first dipping them in water. It mus... / ...mustard internally is to cause emesis in cases of narcotic poisoning. Besides acting as a prompt emetic, there is the added value of reflex st1
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Materia Medica on Always
ACACIAACACI
A gummy e rudate from the trunk and branches of ACACIA SENE GAL, Willd. and other species of Acacia. Demulcent; sometimes prescribed in cough mixtures. The oflicial preparations are Mucilage Acacia (21 3-5 grs.) and Syrup Acacia (5 2-5 grs.). which should always be prepared fresh when wanted for internal use.2
A gummy e rudate from the trunk and branches of ACACIA SENE GAL, Willd. and other species of Acacia. Demulcent; sometimes prescribed in cough mixtures. The oflicial preparations are Mucilage Acacia (21 3-5 grs.) and Syrup Acacia (5 2-5 grs.). which should always be prepared fresh when wanted for internal use.2
AMYL NITRITE
Antispasmodic, reducing arterial tension and so causing momen tary acceleration of the heart beat. Used chiefly by inhalation to relax spasm, notably in asthma, in whooping cough. in spasmodic croup, in epileptic seizures, in tetanus and strychnine poisoning and in spasmodic dysmenorrhea. It is a valuable agent also in angina pec toris and in sudden heart failure, but must be used always intelli gently and with due caution remembering that it is a depressant, not a stimulant. Dose. usually 0.13 2
Antispasmodic, reducing arterial tension and so causing momen tary acceleration of the heart beat. Used chiefly by inhalation to relax spasm, notably in asthma, in whooping cough. in spasmodic croup, in epileptic seizures, in tetanus and strychnine poisoning and in spasmodic dysmenorrhea. It is a valuable agent also in angina pec toris and in sudden heart failure, but must be used always intelli gently and with due caution remembering that it is a depressant, not a stimulant. Dose. usually 0.13 2
APOMORPHINE
Derivative alkaloid from MORPHINE. Expectorant or emetic ac cording to the dose. Small doses act as a sedative in delirium tre mens.' As an expectorant 0.001 to 0.0025 Grm. (1-60 to 1-25 gr.) may be given; as an emetic 0.06 (1-10 gr.) usually suflices (always given for this purpose hypodermatically).2
Derivative alkaloid from MORPHINE. Expectorant or emetic ac cording to the dose. Small doses act as a sedative in delirium tre mens.' As an expectorant 0.001 to 0.0025 Grm. (1-60 to 1-25 gr.) may be given; as an emetic 0.06 (1-10 gr.) usually suflices (always given for this purpose hypodermatically).2
ERGOT
The sclerotium of the fungus, CLAVICEPS PURPUREA, (Fries) Tulaane. Causes tonic contraction of involuntary muscles, hence hemostatic and ecbolic. Used often (not always wisely) in parturi tion; to control internal hemorrhages, particularly uterine; for relief of congestive head aches, and to promote absorption of morbid growths.2
The sclerotium of the fungus, CLAVICEPS PURPUREA, (Fries) Tulaane. Causes tonic contraction of involuntary muscles, hence hemostatic and ecbolic. Used often (not always wisely) in parturi tion; to control internal hemorrhages, particularly uterine; for relief of congestive head aches, and to promote absorption of morbid growths.2
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Always
AMENORRHEA
When due to anemia and debility, combinations of aloes with iron, In an otherwise healthy subject, apiol or the essential oil of penny. royal or of rue, savine... / ... sitz bath and hot infusions of pennyroyal or similar herbs; quinine with aloes or rhubarb. Cotton-root bark, ergot and similar agents are to be used always with due caution.2
When due to anemia and debility, combinations of aloes with iron, In an otherwise healthy subject, apiol or the essential oil of penny. royal or of rue, savine... / ... sitz bath and hot infusions of pennyroyal or similar herbs; quinine with aloes or rhubarb. Cotton-root bark, ergot and similar agents are to be used always with due caution.2
FEVER
The remedies... / ...commonly resorted to include; 1st cardiac or ar terial sedatives, particularly aconite, 2d antipyretics causing reduc tion of temperature, to be used always with due caution and wholly avoided in typhoid conditions, 3d applications of cold water which constitute a measure almost always serviceable, ...2
The remedies... / ...commonly resorted to include; 1st cardiac or ar terial sedatives, particularly aconite, 2d antipyretics causing reduc tion of temperature, to be used always with due caution and wholly avoided in typhoid conditions, 3d applications of cold water which constitute a measure almost always serviceable, ...2
GASTRIC CATARRH
At first withhold all food, later give milk and lime water. Cleanse stomach of irritating matters by lavage with warm water, washing out finally with a solution of... / ...eeded; silver nitrate combined with ext. henbane. Let the diet be simple, and regulate the bowels by use of non-irritant laxatives. Tonics are almost always indicated.2
At first withhold all food, later give milk and lime water. Cleanse stomach of irritating matters by lavage with warm water, washing out finally with a solution of... / ...eeded; silver nitrate combined with ext. henbane. Let the diet be simple, and regulate the bowels by use of non-irritant laxatives. Tonics are almost always indicated.2
HYSTERIA
The remedies of most value in the paroxysms are valerianates, bromides, asafetida, chloral, camphor monobromide; general tonic treatment is nearly always indicated; uterine sedatives are often the most important remedies.2
The remedies of most value in the paroxysms are valerianates, bromides, asafetida, chloral, camphor monobromide; general tonic treatment is nearly always indicated; uterine sedatives are often the most important remedies.2
NEURALGIA
For immediate relief, prescribe acetanilid, phenacetin or anti pyrin usually conjoined with... / ...nly when nothing else will serve). .In the general treatment, strychnine, arsenic and iron are the most generally useful remedies, but attention must always be given to the general condition of the patient, and laxatives, antimalarial remedies or nerve tonics, like phosphorus, prescribed accordingly...2
For immediate relief, prescribe acetanilid, phenacetin or anti pyrin usually conjoined with... / ...nly when nothing else will serve). .In the general treatment, strychnine, arsenic and iron are the most generally useful remedies, but attention must always be given to the general condition of the patient, and laxatives, antimalarial remedies or nerve tonics, like phosphorus, prescribed accordingly...2
PERTUSSIS
Of the numerous remedies prescribed in whooping cough, those which have given best satisfaction are; Bromoform... / ...the room (of course in abscence of the patient) once a day with burning sulphur or with formaldehyde vapor is the most effective remedy, although not always practicable. In severe paroxysms, a little chloroform or amyl nitrite by inhalation gives relief.2
Of the numerous remedies prescribed in whooping cough, those which have given best satisfaction are; Bromoform... / ...the room (of course in abscence of the patient) once a day with burning sulphur or with formaldehyde vapor is the most effective remedy, although not always practicable. In severe paroxysms, a little chloroform or amyl nitrite by inhalation gives relief.2
TYPHOID FEVER
Medication except to meet special indications is probably useless, although the Woodbridge... / ...t to the point of producing ex citement, circulatory or cerebral. Cold sponging or cold baths serve to reduce temperature. Danger of perforation must always be borne in mind, and will govern choice of remedies for constipation. In later stages, oil of turpentine becomes the most important remedy, to...2
Medication except to meet special indications is probably useless, although the Woodbridge... / ...t to the point of producing ex citement, circulatory or cerebral. Cold sponging or cold baths serve to reduce temperature. Danger of perforation must always be borne in mind, and will govern choice of remedies for constipation. In later stages, oil of turpentine becomes the most important remedy, to...2
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.