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Advanced cancer topics
 What about pain and other symptoms? What about clinical trials? What about non-conventional therapies or treatments? How do I deal with the emotions? Looking after yourself Getting help What about palliative care? Getting things in order.What about pain and other symptoms? You might be more worried about pain than anything else. Pain is not always due to the cancer, or related to how far it has spread. Effective pain treatment is usually available – let your doctor know what you need. Sometimes it helps to keep a note of pain so you can show your doctor when it occurs, for how long and what helps to relieve it. Things like nausea, constipation, shortness of breath, poor sleep can all be treated to make life more comfortable. All of these things may be indicators of changes in your disease and side effects of treatments, so it is very important you discuss them with your doctor.
 What about clinical trials?
If your doctor talks to you about research or clinical trials that you can join, it’s a good idea to get as much information about the risks and benefits of the trial before you make any decision – you don’t have to join. What about non-conventional therapies or treatments?
Supportive or complementary therapies are those which people use alongside conventional treatments to enhance their quality of life. These are many and varied, and a number have been shown to help with symptoms. Be sure to tell your doctor about any complimentary therapies you use to make sure there are no added risks when using these with conventional treatments. Acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy, relaxation therapy and guided imagery and counselling can be called supportive therapies.
If you’re facing serious disease you may feel that conventional medicine has nothing left to offer you, and consider so-called ‘alternative’ treatments. These treatments have rarely been scientifically tested for effectiveness and safety, and so carry substantial risks. Some have been found to be ineffective or even reduce survival times overall.
Alternative therapies may cause harm or suffering to those who use them - always check with your health professional. Always let your doctor know of any therapies or supplements you are thinking about using - they may interfere with your conventional treatment.
How do I deal with all the emotions?
If your cancer has come back, you may feel like your body has let you down. You might also be angry, frightened, anxious or depressed. Feeling like you’re not in control of what is happening is also frightening. Dealing with uncertainty can be really difficult. It can help to get as much information as possible – talk to your doctors, nurses and other health professionals openly. Try to live day to day, rather than always worry about the future.
As soon as you feel able, talk to your family and friends about what’s happening to you, and how you are all feeling – even if it’s negative. Most people feel better if they talk about things.
Find out more
Looking after yourself
Taking care of yourself is really important. Try to eat as well as you can, even if you don’t have much of an appetite. This will help you cope with the cancer and its treatment by providing calories to avoid weight loss protein to help rebuild damaged tissues carbohydrates and fats for energy vitamins and minerals to keep your body working normally.If you are finding it difficult to eat, it may be useful to see a dietictan. Some hospitals have dieticians, or private dieticians are available in the community. Some health insurance may cover this. Check with your insurer.
Most people feel better if they look their best. Looking after your skin, hair and general health will help you feel fresh, more confident and in control.
Get the right amount of rest and exercise. Talk to your doctor or health professional about the right type of exercise for you. Moving helps keep your muscles functioning and prevent problems such as constipation and stiff joints. Set realistic goals.
It’s a good idea to plan rest periods every day – that way you have the energy to do the things you want to do.
Having trouble sleeping?
Talk to your doctor if pain is keeping you awake. Try and maintain a daily rhythm of (gentle) activity to help you sleep at night. Plan a bedtime routine that suits you. Have a warm drink (try milk and honey) before going to bed. If you’re awake during the night, listen to music, or read a book.Getting help
Needing support isn’t a sign of weakness. If people offer to help, suggest a specific thing they can do, like making meal, shopping, looking after the children, doing the ironing, or taking you out for a coffee. Accepting or asking for help may make you feel more in control of your life as it is part of making decisions about yourself. Most people will need some sort of help, from personal issues, practical things like meals and household help, counselling, childcare, nursing services or dietary advice.
Talk to Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 about your emotional and physical needs.
Look under Support services on this website for information about peer support, counselling, support groups, education programs and practical assistance.
What about palliative care?
Palliative care can help to ease your pain and distress, whatever the reason. It does not try to cure you, but to make you feel more comfortable. It treats 'the whole you', not just your illness. Palliative care is about living well until death. Palliative care is specialised care for people with a terminal illness as well as their families and carers. When people are dying and there is no treatment to cure them, palliative care helps. Palliative care is not just there in the last days but throughout the cancer journey of those who have advanced disease.
Go to the Palliative Care Council of South Australia.
Getting things in order
Things to think about when you have advanced disease include sorting out your finances making or updating your will enduring power of attorney – someone who can look after your financial affairs decisions about future treatmentFind out about Advanced Care Planning Do I need a medical agent? What about an Anticpatory direction? An explanation of Medical Power of Attorney and an Anticipatory Direction pamphlet Also on this website
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