About this topic
Cancer happens when normal cells grow out of control. When cancer cells begin in the bone tissue, it is primary bone cancer. This is a rare type of cancer. When cancer from another area like the breast or lungs spreads to the bone, it is a metastasis. This kind of cancer is treated in a number of ways. They may include surgery, radiation, or drugs called chemo. ‚
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 your doctors instructions for wound care.
- If you are having chemo or radiation, your doctor may give you drugs to help prevent you from feeling sick or other side effects.
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. ‚
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
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 go back to your normal activities. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eating a healthy diet is important during this time. If you need help, ask to see a dietitian. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Less function depending on where your tumor was located
- Your cancer could come back
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Shortness of breath or coughing up blood
- Blood in the urine or stool
- More pain or pain is not controlled by drugs you are taking
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
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 how to care for my cut site, if I have one.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, or more pain.
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BoneCancer/DetailedGuide/bone-cancer-what-is-cancer ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/sites-types/bone ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-bone/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
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. ‚