When Cancer Spreads to the Bone: Surgery for Metastatic Bone Disease
Last updated Thursday, December 13, 2007
CopingWhat are some strategies for coping with metastatic bone disease? Having a good social
support system is critical. Maintaining strong lines of communication with
health-care workers is also helpful. If a patient feels depressed or anxious,
he or she should consider seeking assistance from a social worker, hospital or
clinic chaplain, psychologist, or psychiatrist, depending on the patient’s
personal preferences for a counselor and his or her psychological needs.Who can help patients and families cope with metastatic bone disease? Patients have
different preferences for the kind of help that would be useful to them, as is
also the case with their family members. Some patients and their families find
it useful to talk about coping with the disease with the physician who is
treating them, or with other health care personnel such as nurses or social
workers or psychologists. Others prefer to talk with a general medical chaplain
trained or one who is trained in counseling cancer patients. Some patients
receive support through members of fraternal, social or other organizations to
which they belong. There are also support groups offered through local chapters
of the American Cancer Society or through various hospitals.What are some strategies for coping with metastatic bone disease on the job? Most people who
develop metastatic bone disease are elderly and retired, or are not working
because of the severity of their illness.What are some strategies for coping with the effects of metastatic bone disease on relationships with family and friends? It is important for
people who have metastatic bone disease to have a good support system in place,
or to seek out a support group. Having others who can help can sometimes
provide respite to family members or close friends who are the primary
caregivers for the patient. Caring for a relative or friend who has metastatic
bone cancer can be especially challenging for those living in rural areas,
because of the distance needed to travel for medical appointments or for others
to visit them to offer support. The subject of useful support for caregivers is
one that needs more attention from health-care professional and from community
service organizations.What are some adaptive aids or tools for coping with metastatic bone disease? Canes, braces,
walkers may be of use under some circumstances, but the goal of most treatment
plans is to try to return patients to a level where they don’t need assistive
devices or aids. This doesn’t always work out every time, but it is the goal of
treatment.What are some strategies for coping with stress related to metastatic bone disease? Patient should feel free to ask lots of
questions of their physicians. They shouldn’t leave the clinic until all of
their questions are answered. They might want to have a friend or family member
along on doctor’s visits to record their conversations with their physician,
because their anxiety is likely to be high and as such they may forget much of
what is said. Physicians or other health professionals may know of support
groups that can act as an outlet for patients or their family members to share
their anxieties or experiences with other cancer patients or family members of
cancer patients.What are some resources for people with metastatic bone disease? Patients can obtain
information by calling their local chapter or the national office of the
American Cancer Society. There are also libraries or patient information rooms
at most cancer hospitals. Patients can also go to trusted Web sites, but should
be aware that there is a lot of anecdotal information on the Web that may not
conform to the general standards of care.Surgery for Metastatic Bone Disease at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 (outside the Seattle area: 800-440-3280) to make an appointment.
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