PEOPLE WITH CANCER IN THE FINAL STAGE

Cancer is one of the most common diseases today. Although there are many
patients who have managed to successfully overcome, also cases where people
do not find a solution, making it necessary to understand what care must be
received during the final stage of his life.

Then that a medical team has determined that the cancer in a patient
already can’t be controlled in any way, comes to finish tests and treatments.
This doesn’t mean that the patient care stops, on the contrary, should focus
on improving their quality of life. Family members also have to be prepared
for the inevitable outcome.

At this stage is when palliative care become more important, consisting of a

series of medications and treatments that are selected to alleviate pain and
other symptoms; such as constipation, episodes of nausea or shortness of
breath. Some patients stay in their homes and receive care in particular, and
others are internship in hospitals or specialized establishments. In any case,
there must be services dedicated to treating the psychological and spiritual
aspects that are implicated to the death.

Everyone reacts different to this period. Besides, signs and symptoms will not
be the same as the disease progresses, varying in magnitude and bringing with
them specific needs for the patient and their families. It’s highly recommended
to receive support and information about doubts and questions, promoting
communication at all times. This is also essential for decision making over the
past months. People who suffer from cancer and are in the final stage prefer
honesty, something that has been shown decreases your stress and increases
your hability to overcome emotional level.

There are a number of indications that allow you to anticipate the arrival of
death. In general, cancer patient chooses to isolate themselves to prepare
mentally, presents drowsiness or sleep interrupted, the pain becomes more
difficult to control or manifested a lack of appetite as a result of that body is
ceasing to operate. Despite these symptoms, it is very difficult to know exactly
when it will occur. This makes it necessary to always have a person dedicated
to your attention, so that, as far as possible, their last hours is accompanied
and better attended.

NAME: Allison Flores Salazar PRE-INTERMEDIE 1