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4 questions to ask the oncologist without getting embarrassed

4 questions to ask the oncologist without getting embarrassed

Early diagnosis and active planning is the only way to manage long-term outlook regarding cancer. So, it is necessary to have a conversation with the doctor and specialist to try and understand the next best course of action. It is during this discussion that one must not hesitate to have an open dialogue about cancer, regardless of probable embarrassment, as the key to proper treatment may just be the answer to one of these questions.

4 questions to ask the oncologist without embarrassment

Asking if the cancer is rare or common
There are many types of cancer and dozens of risk factors and underlying causes that impact its progression. So, it is necessary to ask the doctor if the cancer is rare or commonly diagnosed. Rare cancers have little to no treatment options since most studies and clinical trials are not concluded for them. There is no definitive guarantee for commonly diagnosed cancers either, but with early and prompt diagnosis, it is possible to treat it and improve quality of life successfully. So, it is imperative to determine the type, its progression, and its stage to help plan a treatment regime.

Asking about the best course of action
Different types of cancers, based on severity and progression, can be managed to a significant extent with a proper course of prescriptions, nutrition advice, and daily lifestyle changes. Helping the body adapt to fight cancer and resist mutation gives it a fighting chance to improve its overall outlook. So never hesitate to ask if there are other possible treatments for cancer. This is a valid question. Also, when in doubt, never hesitate to get a second or even third opinion. Oncologists deal with different progressions of cancer. So, it’s quite possible another doctor might be able to prescribe a better course of treatment.

Asking about potential risks and side effects
Cancer, in its advanced stages, progresses quickly and becomes highly invasive, affecting multiple organs and vital body functions at the same time. So, it is necessary to discuss the risks of treatment and understand how common side effects can impact daily lifestyle due to these limitations. Cancer also affects a person’s psyche, with the potential risk of depression, anxiety, and fear. For many cancers, oncologists suggest getting additional counseling and therapy to learn how to manage and overcome the discomforts.

Asking if treatment is beneficial
Many types of cancer are detected only in the advanced stages, and by then, it can be too late to start a new course of treatment. Upon diagnosis only, the doctor can explain the chances of survival, potential problems during treatment, and if it’s even the best course of action at this stage. So, as embarrassing as it sounds, there is absolutely no harm in asking if treatment will be beneficial in the long run. Also, not everybody can afford expensive clinical trials and treatments, as their insurance may or may not cover certain types of cancer. So, it’s also important to ask if there are any free clinical trials or funded programs to address the underlying issue. If not, it is always okay to ask what’s the next best alternative.

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Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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5 warning signs of poor blood circulation

Most people have monotonous schedules, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy eating habits and frequently experience stress or prolonged fatigue. Combined with heredity and accompanying health conditions, these elements cause impaired blood circulation. Frequent cold hands and feet with tingling sensations could be a sign of poor blood circulation. One could experience further health issues if the blood flow in the body is compromised for some reason. Read this article to understand the warning signs of poor blood circulation. 5 warning signs indicating poor blood circulation Even while the symptoms of poor blood circulation may not be immediately apparent, they might have significant consequences. Discussed below are 5 signs indicating poor blood circulation. One may have one or more of these symptoms depending on how severely one's circulatory system has been compromised. Tingling and numbness in the hands and feet Poor oxygenation of the local nerves goes hand in hand with impaired blood circulation in the upper and lower extremities. Tissue hypoxia is the medical term for this condition, which frequently causes uncomfortable localized tingling or numbness. Slow healing process If one's blood flow is compromised, one must be aware that this could considerably slow down one's body's natural healing processes. It's impossible to heal any form of physical damage without providing enough nutrients to the location of the injury. This is the same condition that people with diabetes experience when their blood vessels are destroyed by years of having their blood sugar levels raised, leading to inadequate blood flow to the limbs. Dry skin and hair loss Poor blood flow affects the skin's ability to absorb nutrients. Since hair is also an extension of the skin, a person's skin health will also impact one's hair health. Dry skin, a loss of skin suppleness, deeper wrinkles, hair loss, brittle, thin nails, and thinning hair are all signs of possible poor blood flow issues. Chronic fatigue The muscles also require enough blood flow to function correctly and avoid fatigue. One's energy levels are impacted by slower blood flow throughout the body, which causes one to get exhausted more quickly. Swelling A typical sign of inadequate blood circulation is swelling. Blood pressure increases around the ankles and feet, which pushes fluid from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissue. It frequently affects the legs when insufficient blood is pumped from the legs to the heart, or it may be a sign of a cardiac issue where the heart fails to pump sufficient blood throughout the body. Conclusion The likelihood of recovery for circulatory issues will vary depending on the origin. However, certain natural methods enhance blood circulation, including regular exercise, a healthy lifestyle, eating well, and drinking plenty of water. One must consult a doctor if one frequently experiences one or more of these symptoms. A doctor can assist in determining the cause of the symptoms and make appropriate treatment recommendations. Early treatment of circulatory issues can reduce the risk of subsequent significant complications like a stroke or heart attack.

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