No matter how difficult it may have been and is to watch another endure cancer, nothing will ever compare to the level of difficulty for those who live with that diagnosis daily.
BY Kim Johnson
PUBLISHED January 28, 2018
Kim is a nursing student who is hoping to find her place amongst the phenomenal oncology nurses and doctors who cared for her sister. She loves reading, volunteering and enjoying the outdoors of Colorado.
I have witnessed firsthand through my sister and other patients how difficult cancer can be. While some effects of cancer are visible, others are not. Beyond treatments and diagnosis lies an incredibly in-depth psychological layer that those of us who haven’t ever been diagnosed will always fail to fully understand. That, however, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be trying harder.
Historically, care during the course of cancer has been largely relegated to the treatments, not really considering what patients experience during or after those treatments come to an end. Thankfully, we have made incredible advancements in the field of oncology medicine, meaning that overall survival rates continue to improve. The reality, though, is that focus on the care after treatment ends has not followed.
My sister was lucky to receive care from the onset of diagnosis for both the physical and psychological complications. Unfortunately, like many adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients, she declined some of that care. While she is seeking treatment now, it is harder for her to cope with all that happened while she was sick than it may have been for her had she sought that available care throughout her journey with cancer.
Historically, care during the course of cancer has been largely relegated to the treatments, not really considering what patients experience during or after those treatments come to an end. Thankfully, we have made incredible advancements in the field of oncology medicine, meaning that overall survival rates continue to improve. The reality, though, is that focus on the care after treatment ends has not followed.
My sister was lucky to receive care from the onset of diagnosis for both the physical and psychological complications. Unfortunately, like many adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients, she declined some of that care. While she is seeking treatment now, it is harder for her to cope with all that happened while she was sick than it may have been for her had she sought that available care throughout her journey with cancer.
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