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What You Need To Know About Treating Your Cancer At Home

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Cancer is a difficult disease to deal with, which is why many people opt to treat their cancer at home when possible. There are a wide range of cancer treatments that are available to those wishing to be treated at home, but it's important that you know what home treatment for cancer involves. Here is the information you need to make home treatment for cancer work for you.

What treatments are available

Many are often surprised how many cancer treatments are available to those who want their treatment at home. Among the available treatments are

  • Intravenous (IV) to deliver chemotherapy and antibiotics
  • Injections (including subcutaneous and intramuscular)
  • Pills and medications

At the same time, insurance doesn't always cover home treatments, which means home treatment isn't available to everyone. However, in some cases, such as when a patient is homebound, the insurance company may be required to cover home treatment either partially or fully. It's important to check with your own health insurance provider to determine what options are available to you.

What to know about home treatments

It's crucial to follow all doctor's instructions when it comes to proper cancer treatment at home. That means taking all required pills at the right time, administering injections when needed, and preparing a space in a home that can support you throughout your treatment or the treatment of a loved one.

It's also necessary to have a home healthcare nurse involved to oversee your treatment. A home healthcare nurse can also serve as an important educational source for you during the cancer treatment if you're taking on the responsibility of a caregiver. A home healthcare nurse can provide instructions on how to apply injections, how to comfort a patient during moments of distress, and how to handle issues like trips to the bathroom.

A home healthcare agency can also provide a number of other services, including nurses, physical therapists, and psychological counseling. A home healthcare nurse or aid can provide medication, help with hygiene issues, and in other instances run errands, help cook meals, or help with issues like inserting a catheter.

Keeping in contact with your doctor

It's important to keep a doctor involved throughout each step of the process, and seek emergency medical help during complications such as high fever, missed doses of medication, severe side effects such as vomiting or nausea, or an allergic reaction to a shot, such as dizziness or swelling at the injection site.

Ultimately, there are many benefits to receiving cancer treatment at home. You'll feel like you're in a safe place, and potentially get to spend more time with friends and family in a comfortable environment. Obtaining a qualified home healthcare nurse, such as At Home Health Care, and following proper medical protocols can help ensure you get the best possible result during your cancer treatment.


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