Lung Cancer

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Lung cancer is a tumor (lump) in one or both lungs. The lungs are 2 hollow organs in your chest that stretch like a balloon when you breathe in. Normally, cells divide (split) only when needed. Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and divide without control or order, often making too much tissue which is called a tumor. Lung cancer often spreads to other parts of the body, such as the liver, bone, and brain.
  
  
• Common signs and symptoms of lung cancer include cough, breathing problems, weight loss, and chest pain. You may first need to have part or all of the tumor removed. This is called a biopsy. The tumor tissue is sent to the lab for tests to check for cancer cells. The test will also check for what kind of cancer you have. A test called sputum cytology (cell study) may also be used to diagnose lung cancer. You may have a bone scan or CT scan to learn if the cancer has spread in your body. You may need surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation to treat your lung cancer. The chances of curing lung cancer are better when it is found and treated early.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Eating well with cancer and cancer treatment:

Good nutrition can:

• help you feel better during treatment and decrease treatment side effects
  
  
• decrease your risk of infection
  
  
• help you have more energy and feel stronger
  
  
• help you maintain a healthy weight and heal faster

Eat a variety of healthy foods to get the protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients that your body needs. You may need to change the foods you eat depending on your treatments and side effects. You also may need to eat more calories than usual. Work with a dietitian to plan the best meals and snacks for you. Ask if you should add vitamins to your diet.

Drinking liquids:

Drink extra liquids to avoid dehydration (loss of body fluid). You will also need to replace fluid if you are vomiting or have diarrhea from cancer treatments. Ask your caregiver which liquids to drink and how much you need each day.

Oxygen:

You may need extra oxygen to help you breathe easier. It may be given through a plastic mask over your mouth and nose. It may be given through a nasal cannula, or prongs, instead of a mask. A nasal cannula is a pair of short, thin tubes that rest just inside your nose. Tell your caregiver if your nose gets dry or if you get redness or sores on your skin. Never smoke or let anyone else smoke in the same room while your oxygen is on. Doing so may cause a fire.

Do not smoke:

Smoking causes lung cancer and other long-term lung diseases. It increases your risk of many cancer types. Smoking also increases your risk of blood vessel disease, heart attack, and vision disorders. Not smoking may help prevent such symptoms as headaches and dizziness for yourself and those around you. Smokers have shorter lifespans than nonsmokers.

Special positions while sleeping:

You may have trouble breathing when lying down. Sleeping in a position with your upper body raised may help you breathe easier. You can use foam wedges or elevate the head of your bed. There are many devices that you can buy to help raise your upper body while in bed. Use a device that will tilt your whole body, or bend your body at the waist. The device should not bend your body at the upper back or neck.

Rest as often as you need to.

Rest is important for your recovery. Do not return to your regular activities too quickly. Start slowly and do more as you feel stronger. Rest during the day. Plan for 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Contact your primary healthcare provider if you are not able to sleep.

Manage your stress:

Stress may slow healing and lead to illness. Learn ways to control stress, such as relaxation, deep breathing, and music. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You are coughing up bloody mucus or sputum.
  
  
• You are vomiting (throwing up) and cannot keep food or liquids down.
  
  
• You cannot make it to your radiation or chemotherapy visit.
  
  
• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing that is getting worse over time.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your disease, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You cannot think clearly.
  
  
• You have more difficulty breathing than before, or your lips or nails look blue or pale.
  
  
• You suddenly feel lightheaded and have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have new and sudden chest pain. You may have more pain when you take deep breaths or cough. You may cough up blood.
  
  
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.

Copyright © 2012. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Lung Cancer (Aftercare Instructions)