About this topic
Cancer happens when normal cells grow out of control Ewings sarcoma is a kind of cancer that happens most often in the bone. This kind of cancer is treated in a number of ways. They may include surgery, radiation or drugs called chemo. With early diagnosis and proper care, you may have a good chance of healing. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- If you had surgery, follow the doctors instructions for wound care.
- If you are having chemo or radiation, the doctor may give you drugs to help stop you from feeling sick or other side effects.
- If your leg was affected, you may need to use crutches.
- Good hand washing is very important.
- Stay away from people who are not feeling well.
- Stay away from people who have received live shots.
- Do not change the cat litter.
- Wear a mask when going outdoors. Stay away from public or crowded places.
- Use an electric razor when shaving.
- Quit smoking. If you have problems with quitting, ask for help.
- Consider joining a support group. This can help you understand and deal with your illness.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need more blood work, tests, or treatment.
- You may need physical therapy after surgery. This will help restore strength and motion to the affected part.
What drugs may be needed?
Ask your doctor what drugs you will need to take. Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor. The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Help with side effects like upset stomach and throwing up
- Prevent infection
- Help keep blood cell counts up
Will physical activity be limited?
- Rest is important. Your activity level will depend on your procedure or treatment. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Ask your doctor when you can return to your normal activities.
- Exercising can help lower fatigue. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy for strengthening.
- Do light activities. Start with walking and light exercises.
What changes to diet are needed?
- Do not drink beer, wine, beer and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- You may need to follow certain limits based on your blood counts. This includes not eating fresh fruits and veggies if your blood counts are low. Your doctor will tell you if you need to do this.
- Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. If you need help to plan your meals or keep up your weight, ask to see a dietitian.
What problems could happen?
- Bones may break easily in the part where tumor was
- Cancer could come back
- Less function based on where the tumor was
- Infection
- Swelling of nearby tissue
- Muscle scarring
- Loss of bone growth
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or sweats.
- Upset stomach or throwing up even when taking the drugs
- Not able to play or take part in normal activities because of weakness
- Pain in the stomach
- Cough that is getting worse
- Swelling and pain at the site of cancer
- Soreness and warmth
- Broken arm or leg with no reason
Helpful tips
Learning to live with cancer can be hard and very stressful. Here are some ways to deal with stress: ‚
- Connect with family and friends. Talk to friends and family members and ask for help if needed.
- Try to relax. Listen to music, meditate, and learn breathing exercises.
- Control your thoughts and feelings. Write a journal, make new hobbies, and think positive.
- If you are tired, try to organize your time to do the important items first.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what kind of treatment I will be having.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my drugs or activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, feel weak, have a cough, or have swelling or soreness where the cancer was.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00082 ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/765/viewAbstract ‚
Sarcoma Foundation of America ‚
http://www.curesarcoma.org/index.php/patient_resources/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚