Terminal Cancer – The Final Stage
July 30, 2008 · Print This Article
Despite of the numerous advances in the field of cancer in terms of diagnosis and treatment, it ranks largest in terms of deaths, and the deaths continue to increase. Terminal cancer is a stage when treatment becomes ineffective after a certain point due to rapid spread of the disease. It is the last stage of cancer. In generally more than half the persons diagnosed with this deadly disease, the treatment is ineffective after a point.
A terminal cancer can be of many types. There can be terminal cancers related to the lungs or the blood, kidneys, cervical cancer, brain tumors etc. If detected at the right stage it can be cured, but if not then there are chances of the cancer-becoming terminal. However, certain organs like the breasts and the ovaries can be removed, in order to remove that particular cancerous part of the body. This might be effective only if it has not spread all over.
Treatment of terminal cancer – what to avoid?
Treatment of terminal cancer is very difficult. Most of the doctors over estimate the survival of their patients, and this is due to over optimism In many of the cases. Many times chemotherapy is carried on by doctors, which should be strongly avoided, as it can cause toxic effects prior to death.
Also, heavy radiation treatment and other strong cure measures should be avoided, as the survival chances are almost nil. It is important to do pain management rather than trying for cure. Many times doctors present a rosy picture for personal benefits, so it is important that you take a second opinion.
Treatments that can be helpful during terminal cancer
Some alternative treatments can be tried instead of the usual radio and chemotherapies. Following are some of them –
• Karuna Reiki is known to help patients suffering from terminal cancer
• Terminal cancer patients should consume omega 3 fats
• A holistic approach or naturopathy can help
• Pain management
• Fish is known to help terminal cancer patients.
Thus the patient should be made as comfortable as possible, and it inadvisable to try and prolong life as it increases patient suffering. It is important to give appropriate palliative - end of life - care, which could help them live out their lives in comfort.
Coping with terminal cancer
Coping with terminal cancer is tough for everyone in the household but especially for the patient, because the feeling that you have no more than a few days or months left is shocking. Thus the patient requires constant care and support. It is not easy to cope with the disease, but a positive attitude and spiritual inclination is known to help, and some times do wonders for the patients.
