Coping with Treatment of Adrenal Gland Tumor

Executive Summary

The treatment of adrenal gland tumor results in several side effects. The patients often experience different side effects, even after receiving the same treatment. Hence, it is essential to understand the mitigation of such side-effects before taking up the treatment protocols. Therefore, coping up treatment for the physical side-effects are integrated. The prior information regarding the new side-effects and changing the existing side-effects helps minimize or treat the side-effects while making the patients more comfortable and preventing them from getting worse.

The emotional and social effects among the patients are balanced by communicating with the oncology social workers, counsellors, or clearly who can help them develop more effective ways to deal with the diagnosis and talk about it. Hence, patients and their families are motivated to talk to members of the medical team regarding their financial concerns. In fact, family and friends often play an essential role in caring for people with adrenal land tumors, known as caregivers. Caregivers provide physical, practical, and emotional support to patients, even if they live far away.

Coping strategies

Any treatment of adrenal gland tumor can cause side effects and changes in your body and how you feel. Individuals do not experience the same side effects, even if they receive same treatment for the same type of tumor. It can make it difficult to predict how you will feel during treatment. When preparing to start treatment, it is common to be afraid of treatment-related side effects. It may be helpful to know that your health team is working to prevent and mitigate side effects. You can call this part of the treatment as “palliative care” or “supportive care” ​1,2​. It is a vital part of your treatment plan, regardless of your age or stage of illness.

With physical side effects

Changes in your physical health depend on several factors, including the tumor stage, the duration and dose of treatment, and your general health. It is very important to communicate with the medical team regularly about one’s feelings. 

It is essential to be informed of new side effects and changes to existing side effects. Knowing how you feel can help them find ways to reduce or treat your side effects to make you more comfortable and perhaps prevent them from getting worse. It may be helpful to track side effects and make it easier to explain the changes to the medical team. Side effects may continue even after discontinuation of treatment. Doctors call this a long-term side effect. 

Long-term effects are nothing but the side effects of the treatment of adrenal gland tumors that occur months or years after treatment. Treatment of long-term side effects and long-term effects is an integral part of survival support.

With emotional and social effects

Once diagnosed, it can have emotional and social implications. It includes coping with various emotions such as sadness, fear and anger and managing stress levels. It cannot be easy to tell about your feelings for your loved one. Although, some have found that talking to oncology social workers, counsellors, or clergy can help them develop more effective ways to deal with the diagnosis and talk about it.

With the financial aspects

Treatment of Adrenal Gland Tumor can be expensive. So, it results into stress and anxiety for individuals with adrenal tumors and their families. Several individuals find additional, unplanned costs associated with their care. The high price makes it impossible to follow or complete a treatment plan for some people. It also puts your health at risk and can lead to higher costs. Patients and their families are motivated to talk to members of the medical team about their financial concerns.

Barriers to Medical Care

Different groups of people experience different rates of adrenal gland tumor cancers and other consequences from their cancers. These differences are known as the “cancer gap.” In fact, Inequality is partly caused by natural barriers to quality medical care, including racial and ethnic minorities, the poor, sexual and sexual minorities (LGBTQ +), adolescents and young adults, the elderly, and people from rural areas. More than often, Live or other poorly serviced communities are more likely to affect the people who live adversely.

Caring for a loved one

Caregivers are family and friends who often play an essential role in caring for people with Adrenal Gland tumors or any other illness. Caregivers can provide physical, practical, and emotional support to patients, even if they live far away. They also have to deal with stress and cope emotionally. This is because one of the most critical tasks for a family caregiver is to take care of themselves.

The caregiver has a variety of responsibilities, daily or as needed, including: 

  • Assistance and Encouragement 
  • Conversation with Medical Team
  • Dosing Management Symptom and Side Effect Management Assistance 
  • Medical Reservation Coordination
  • Round Trip Drive Scheduled 
  • Meal Assistance
  • Housework Assistance
  • Insurance and Accounting Issues Handling

References

  1. 1.
    Schteingart DE, Doherty GM, Gauger PG, et al. Management of patients with adrenal cancer: recommendations of an international consensus conference. Endocr Relat Cancer. Published online September 2005:667-680. doi:10.1677/erc.1.01029
  2. 2.
    Else T, Kim AC, Sabolch A, et al. Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Endocrine Reviews. Published online December 20, 2013:282-326. doi:10.1210/er.2013-1029