Question

NURS 454 Pathopysiology

Ms. Jones is a 56 year old female who has been diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. The tumor is approximately 6 cm in size and has metastasized to nearby lymph nodes. Both her mother and her older sister died from breast cancer. She will be undergoing surgery to remove the tumor and affected tissue later today. Other treatments are planned in addition to surgery. Contribute to the discussion of additional therapies as noted below.

Ms. Jones is also interested in alternative treatments to reduce other side effects of the chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Describe 2 CAM therapies that may help Ms. Jones manage side effects other than her pain. Include the mechanism of action for these therapies, likely benefits to the patient, and any side effects, risks or other issues that the patient and the nurse should be aware of.

No more than 300 words. Include at least one reference to the concept map.

Answer 1

Many people use CAM treatments to help ease side effects, relieve pain, and improve their quality of life. It is important to note that these remedy measures should not be used in place of your doctor-approved treatment plan. In this essay, we are going to discuss two such remedial measures.

1 - Antioxidant supplements

Antioxidants lower your risk of cancer by helping protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can harm cells.

Certain grains, fruits, and vegetables are rich with dietary antioxidants, including:

Beta carotene, lycopene, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E

These antioxidants may be found in the following foods:

Goji berries, wild blueberries, dark chocolate, pecans, kidney beans

They are also available through dietary supplements. However, research is mixed on whether antioxidants are safe to use during cancer treatment.

Dietary supplements may:

* Interact with prescription drugs

* Contain contaminated synthetic prescription drugs

* Contain unknown contaminants.

This can result in a number of unexpected complications. People with breast cancer should use them with caution.

If you want to try antioxidant supplements, be sure to talk with your doctor first. They can explain your individual risks and benefits.

2 - ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is a central part of traditional Chinese medicine that may help relieve symptoms of breast cancer and side effects of treatment. Acupuncture requires a practitioner to place sterile, hair-thin needles into acupuncture points - specific points on your skin - then gently move them to stimulate your nervous system.

Research has shown that acupuncture can help:

• relieve fatigue
• control hot flashes
• reduce vomiting
• reduce pain
• help decrease nausea

However, it does carry some risks, such as:

• infection
• bleeding
• lymphedema, which is swelling caused by excess fluid, in your arm

Sometimes practitioners incorporate herbal supplements into acupuncture treatment. People undergoing chemotherapy shouldn’t use herbal supplements because they’re known to reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Be sure to talk with your practitioner about your needs and what techniques they may use for you