How to Coordinate Care for Metastatic Liver Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 21,000 people are diagnosed with liver cancer in the U.S. every year. It is important to know how to coordinate care for a loved one diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer. By understanding the symptoms of the disease, and the side effects of treatment, you can develop a program of care for your loved one.

Instructions

Developing a Care Regimen

• 1

  Understand the symptoms of metastatic liver cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, symptoms of liver cancer can include pain in the right side of the abdomen, weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Discuss options with the patient's doctor for controlling these symptoms. Ask about medications that can reduce nausea, and stock your kitchen with foods that settle the stomach. Plan essential tasks like bathing for times when weakness and fatigue are at a minimum.

• 2

  Know the side effects of the liver cancer treatments. Embolization, a procedure that reduces the flow of blood to a cancerous tumor, often involves a catheter, so be vigilant examining for bacterial infection. If your patient is being treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, her nausea and fatigue may greatly increase. Prepare the home for easy accessibility to bathrooms and install rails for extra support. Since metastatic liver cancer is cancer that has moved to other parts of the body, understand potential symptoms for other affected areas of the body. Also be prepared to consult a psychologist to help deal with the emotional problems (for both the patient and the caregiver) that often accompany a serious illness.

• 3

  Meet with your patient's doctor. Request information on the progression of the disease, the types of treatment the patient is receiving, and the areas where the cancer has metastasized. Have the doctor help you plan a regimen of pain medications from mild to severe to be prepared with the medications you may need at home. Take notes on proper dosages for each of these medications, as well as the maximum number of times they can be administered per day. Make sure you have essential contact information in case your patient's pain or other symptoms become unmanageable.

• 4

  Develop a scheduling system. Metastatic liver cancer will involve regular appointments for treatments, as well as regular follow up appointments with the primary oncologist. Buy a large wall calendar from any office supply store and hang it in a noticeable area. Write upcoming appointment locations and times to help you keep track. Keep a list of important information in a folder to take with you to your patient's appointments. Include names and the dosages of each prescription medication your patient takes, and how often she takes the medication. Detail the treatments the patient receives and the frequency of treatment so you can easily answer important questions.