Palliative Care & Grief Before They’re Gone
Receiving a cancer diagnosis brings overwhelming emotions that can feel impossible to navigate. The fear, confusion, and uncertainty that follow affect not just patients but entire families. However, there's hope in the form of comprehensive support designed to help you through this difficult journey.
Many people often misunderstand palliative care as being the same as hospice care, but these are distinct types of support. Palliative care represents an important part of cancer care that provides patients with extra support throughout their treatment journey. This type of care focuses on supporting patients with chronic illnesses during their treatment, requiring coordination with physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, social workers, nutritionists, psychologists, and other support staff. Unlike hospice, patients can receive palliative support at any time of their disease trajectory to alleviate side effects caused by treatment while also pursuing additional curative treatment options.
Quality of life plays a central role in oncology care. While new treatment regimens help patients live longer, these treatments often impact quality of life as the underlying condition causes ongoing side effects. Ensuring a patient's quality of life has a positive impact on both the patient and the caregiver, creating a foundation for better outcomes and emotional well-being.
A comprehensive palliative care program addresses multiple aspects of patient care, including the treatment of physical symptoms, management of emotional and social needs, addressing spiritual and practical concerns, and understanding that caregivers also need support. The program also provides families of patients with additional support during one of the most challenging times in their lives.
Palliative care at NYCBS enhances the quality of care we already provide to our patients. Research on the effects of palliative care has shown that starting it soon after a diagnosis of metastatic cancer increases a patient's coping abilities and quality of life. Additional goals include advanced care planning, identifying patient wishes, and comprehensive symptom management that addresses both physical and emotional needs.
The personal experience of caring for loved ones with cancer brings unique insight into patient care. Many healthcare providers gain a deeper understanding of the difference between professional care and personal experience when they find themselves supporting their own family members through treatment. This perspective helps providers understand how patients and families evaluate their care teams, leading to more empathetic and comprehensive support.
For patients and families navigating this journey, understanding that palliative care doesn't mean giving up on treatment can provide comfort and hope. It means adding another layer of support that focuses on your comfort, dignity, and quality of life while you continue fighting. The goal is to help you live as fully as possible, managing symptoms and side effects so you can focus on what matters most to you and your loved ones.
Communication with your care team becomes even more important during this time. Don't hesitate to ask questions about your treatment options, express concerns about symptoms, or discuss your goals and preferences for care. Your palliative care team is there to listen, support, and help coordinate all aspects of your care, ensuring you receive the comprehensive support you deserve.
Experience compassionate, comprehensive palliative care at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists. Our dedicated team is here to support you and your family through every step of your journey. Contact us today at (855) 528-7322 to learn more about how our palliative care services can enhance your quality of life during treatment.