OncoLog, Volume 46, Number 11/12, November/December 2001 Page: 6
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PHYSICIANS: THIS 'ATIENT INFORMATION SHEET IS YOURS TO COPY AND PASS ON TO PATIENTS.
xEr
Simple Steps Can Put Patients
on the Road to Well-Beinghetker receiving treatments or undergoing follow-up
examinations, the patient with cancer's measure of
well-being is "feeling better." "When patients feel
well, their strength returns, their outlook improves,
and they are better able to cope with their diagnosis," says Margaret
Harle, R.N., a senior research nurse in the Pain Research Group
at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Harle encourages patients
to practice restorative activities during treatment and follow-up
care to help them achieve a feeling of well-being and improve
their quality of life. Here are some of her suggestions:UP,UP,
AND
AWAY
Whatever your preference-j azz, gospel,
show tunes, classical, big band, country
and western, rock 'n' roll-music can
be uplifting. There is only one rule:
if you like it, it is good for you. Or,
relaxation tapes, which simulate such
sounds as a seashore, a thunderstorm,
or a forest, can help patients achieve
whole-body relaxation. Try using
earphones for a sense of "getting away."
PET
POWER
If your treatment plan permits, pets can
provide a healthy dose of fulfillment.
If large pets are not practical, consider
a small aquarium of fish.GET
BACK TO
NATURE
Is there a place where you feel peaceful
and happy? Maybe it is your backyard,
a park or wooded area, a bench in a
museum gallery across from a favorite
painting, or even the fountain in the
mall. Go there, and go often.
CREATE!
Write down your thoughts in a letter
(to yourself or someone else), a poem,
or a descriptive paragraph-however
they come to you. If writing is not your
preferred form of expression, you could
draw, paint, make craft items, or create
a collage or scrapbook of treasured
photos, cards, and gifts.Four Essential
STOPS on the Road
to Well-Being
Above all, taking care of yourself
means following your doctor's advice
during and after treatment and
adhering to the practical guidelines
listed below.
1. Eat a healthy diet.
(With some treatments, patients
will receive a special diet plan.)
2. Follow your medication schedule.
3. Go to all clinic appointments.
4. Report any problems to the
appropriate treatment
team member.
STAY IN
TOUCH
As often as possible, visit with family,
friends, church members, those with
whom you share similar hobbies or
interests, or a cancer support group. Not
feeling up to a visit? Record a message on
a cassette tape or video or send a letter
or an e-mail.
Practicing one or more of these or
other restorative activities and follow-
ing doctor's orders may help you feel
better and get you started on the road
to well-being.For more information, contact
your physician or contact the
M. D. Anderson Information Line:
( (800) 392-1611 within
the United States, or(
(713) 792-6161 in Houston
and outside the United States.November/December 2001
2 0 I TneInit Ceri enitr
M. D. Antderson Cancer .Cnt
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University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. OncoLog, Volume 46, Number 11/12, November/December 2001, periodical, November 2001; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth903627/m1/10/: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.