It is hard to deal with any type of cancer. The hardship is even more complex once the patient enters the terminal stage of the disease, when the tumor spreads to different organs and organ systems and causes many unbearable symptoms and health issues.
As far as esophageal cancer is concerned, the terminal stage can be quite terrible and patients are either treated at home by their loved ones or opt for a hospice care. Knowing that the end is close and inevitable make the matter worse. But, the goal of palliative treatment, which is the only solution in the terminal stage of the disease, is to bring symptoms of the disease under control as much as possible and help patients cope with pain which is most commonly excruciating.
Esophageal Cancer - Hospice Care
Once checked into a hospice center, patients are provided with all the necessary care. Medical personnel will give their best to provide dignity, peace and comfort to all such patients. It is hard to face the end of life without someone's else's help.
Palliative care and management are essential for these patients. A team of health professionals who will help patients suffering from terminal illness comprises a physician, nurse, certified nursing assistant, chaplain and social worker. Feeding, bathing and fulfilling every day needs of such patients is a part of daily routine of the mentioned people.
All people who are working in these institutions are well educated and ready to help people dealing with terminal illness. This is why patients feel more comfortable and peaceful comparing to being hospitalized. In hospitals patients are treated and the entire process includes curative measures. In hospice institutions, patients undergo palliative measures and are better taken care of.
Caring for People with Esophageal Cancer at Home
This can be quite challenging because caregivers are due to spend all the time with their loved ones and provide with all the patient needs. Because end-of-life care requires certain medical interventions and pain relief these are obtained from medical professionals.
So a combination of care and love from the family and medical help from certain professionals may be a good combination for people who do not want to leave their homes.
Caregiving at home can be quite exhausting and stressful. It takes a lot of physical and mental strength, lots of sleepless nights and full commitment. Caregivers must also take days off from work in order to be available 24/7 for their loved ones. Finally, it takes a lot of courage and strength to watch your loved one shutting down and losing touch with reality. One needs to be strong enough to overcome all the hardship caregiving under these circumstances requires. But, patients will be grateful and happy for spending last days with people they love most.
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