ONCOLOGIST AS A CANCER WINNER

ONCOLOGIST AS A CANCER WINNER

Dr Pawan Gupta M.Ch. – Cancer Surgeon, Social Activist and Author

Doctor – An oncologist has a great role to play to make a cancer patient, a cancer survivor, a winner.

Hand holding, through the darkest hours of a cancer patient life, during the period of transformation and thereafter, and how the doctor does it will determine whether a patient be just a survivor or a winner.

A cancer patient lives in fear, an unknown fear of life, a life which no one else can experience.

Early detection, prompt treatment and quick rehabilitation are the mantra for cancer patient to become a cancer winner. An oncologist has to understand that rehabilitation is as much important as treatment, and he has a great role to play in this.

The following are the important elements of a Good oncologist

Knowledge

Empathy

Spiritualism

Oncologist has the power to change course of life of a cancer patient.

The truth is that they have an enormous ability to help their patients and create a positive impact in their life, which is why they command so much respect. The problem is that today's oncologists think of themselves primarily as being intellectual scientists, whose job is to order the right tests, make the right diagnosis, and provide the right treatment. Believe their work ends here!

This in reality is a very small part of what an oncologist do to help patients become a winner – Oncologists’ important tasks are far more intangible, and one need to use the heart much more than the heads to do them well ! He is the bedrock of support whom the patient can fall back on when she is going through a rough patch in her life - someone she can trust and depend on during her darkest hours.

The way we talk, the way we smile, the way we hold our patient's hands, and the way we connect with her has a far greater impact on the patient's life than just providing the right diagnosis or the right treatment. This is something which one should not underestimate.

During times of crisis - and every illness can be filled with stress and loneliness and angst, a patient needs to know that there is someone she can depend on - someone who know her, cares for her, and will hold her hand during her darkest moments - someone who will provide her a shoulder to cry on, and a human connection.

This is the kind of support which a doctor is privileged to be able to provide, and we need to understand the significance of this role which we can play in our patient's lives, which far outweighs anything we can do as regards diagnosis and treatment. We are far more than technicians , and while we cannot always cure our patients, we can always provide support and succour!

We are blessed to be in this privileged position, where we are privy to another human's innermost fears and desires - let's learn to wield this power with care and compassion

BE CAREFUL AND NOT FEARFUL.

The ONCOLOGIST by his body language lets the patient know that – I CAN CARE. Together we can.

There is a positive life beyond cancer.

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Vaginal Dilators

I CAN CARE Vaginal Dilators   http://www.icancare.org/treatment/radiotheraphy/vaginal-dilator

Gentle self-treatment for women receiving

1. pelvic radiotherapy for Carcinoma of cervix, Endometrial carcinoma, Carcinoma of vagina, vulva, other pelvic tumors

2. Post surgery – Hysterectomy, radical vulvectomy, other pelvic surgery. Abdomino pelvic resection

I CAN Care vaginal dilators is a range of dilators designed to help women alleviate medical conditions affecting the vaginal structure, following radiotherapy to the vagina, cervix or pelvis. Radiotherapy can cause some internal scarring (adhesions) to the treated area and make the vagina narrower, drier and less elastic.

I CAN Care vaginal dilators help to reduce the risk of scarring and offer an effective way for patients to take an active role in their treatment.

Preventing the formation of scar tissue within the vagina helps ensure that the vagina remains supple so that sexual intercourse and vaginal examinations can be performed without discomfort or pain.

I CAN CARE Vaginal Dilator is available in three graduated diameter sizes of 2cm, 2.5 cm and 3 cm to make insertion and removal easier.

Benefits:

• Effective treatment for use in the comfort of the home
• Treatment pace is directed by the user
• Three graduated sizes to help users to progress gradually
• Designed to help build confidence

After menopause, the vagina becomes dry, less elastic, narrower, and shorter. Some cancer treatments can also cause these changes within the vagina. To help you with these changes, your healthcare provider has suggested that you use a vaginal dilator and start doing vaginal dilator therapy. Vaginal dilator therapy is a resource you can use throughout your life.

It will help to:

1.       Allow your healthcare provider to perform a more thorough pelvic exam.

2.       Make it more comfortable for you to be examined.

3.       Prevent your vagina from becoming too narrow.

4.       Keep your vagina more elastic.

5.       Allow you to have vaginal sex with less discomfort.

As a result of your recent treatment, your vagina may have become narrowed and shortened due to the formation of scar tissue. I CAN CARE vaginal dilators have been designed to greatly reduce your risk of scarring and assist you in keeping your vagina supple. This will help reduce any long term discomfort from follow up examinations, further treatments and sexual intercourse.

Please read these instructions fully before using I CAN CARE vaginal dilators for the first time

How to use your I CAN CARE vaginal dilators

Before You Begin – Prior to first-time use, wash dilators and handle in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.

Privacy – Use the dilators in a private, comfortable setting where you will be undisturbed.

Positioning – The recommended position to use the dilators is to lie flat on your back with your knees bent at a 45 degree angle and legs slightly apart. Alternatively, you may stand with one leg raised on a chair.  Make sure you can easily touch the opening of your vagina. Practice Kegel exercise.

Progression – Start with the smallest dilator and, once you can comfortably insert it, progress to the next size up. You may find when you first use the dilators that you can only tolerate the tip of the dilator. With persistent use you will be able to gradually progress to full insertion, then larger sizes. When transitioning sizes, move from the smaller dilator to the next size in the same session, as vaginal muscles will already be relaxed and the transition will be easier. The time it takes to progress from size to size varies by individual.

Inserting a Vaginal Dilator -- 1. Apply water-based lubricant (like K-Y jelly), to the tip of the dilator and to your vaginal opening. Do not use petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) 2. Relax as best as possible. Using controlled breathing, slowly ease the dilator into the vagina going as deeply as is comfortable. Continue to insert the dilator until you feel slight discomfort or muscle tension and then stop. Since the vagina slants upwards and towards your back, the dilator should be angled upwards and in the direction of your back during insertion.  3. Once the dilator is inside the vagina move the dilator in a forward and backward motion, then a left to right motion and if possible, gently rotate the dilator in position by twisting the handle.4. Do a set of Kegel exercises. These Exercises will help you relax your pelvic floor muscles and insert the dilator a little further.  If it is still difficult to insert the dilator after doing Kegel exercises, take some deep breaths. Then, refocus on relaxing your pelvic floor muscles and try to insert the dilator a little further. Don’t worry if you can’t insert the dilator completely. Over time, you may be able to get the dilator in a little bit further. 5. Leave the dilator in place for 5 to 10 minutes. 6. Gently push it back and forth to stretch the length of your vagina. 7. Gently rotate the dilator in wide circles to stretch the width of your vagina. Repeat this at the back, middle, and opening of your vagina. Some women find it helpful to work with more than one size dilator. 8. Remove gently and slowly while rotating.

After You Are Done You may have a small amount of bleeding when you use the dilator. This is normal. A panty liner will be enough to manage this. If you have a lot of bleeding, such as bleeding that soaks up a sanitary napkin, call your healthcare provider. If you get urinary tract infections (UTIs) often, you may want to urinate after dilator therapy. If you have any questions or problems, talk with your healthcare provider at your next appointment.

Duration & Frequency – You should practice dilator therapy several times per week (i.e., every other day). The more you do it, the more you will benefit. Duration and frequency of dilation may range from three minutes twice a week up to ten minutes and twice daily*. Please consult with your Healthcare Professional.

Cleaning Instructions – I CAN CAREvaginal dilators, should be washed after each use. Wash in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before storing in in a clean bag. Ensure all traces of soap are removed to avoid irritation. Remember to wash the dilator handle if it has been used.

Warnings and Precautions

 These instructions are intended as a guide. Further advice may be obtained from your Healthcare Professional.

Return Policy: We are not able to accept returns on the vaginal dilator product. For health and safety reasons, vaginal inserts, vaginal dilators that have been sold to a consumer cannot be restocked and are prohibited from resale.I CAN CARE Vaginal Dilators

http://www.icancare.org/treatment/radiotheraphy/vaginal-dilator