I recently decided to have a mastectomy for a new diagnosis of breast cancer. My friends say I should call now for palliative care help. Isn’t that a bit premature?
Jennifer Dumrauf, APN, C-CNS
Most people don’t think about asking for help from a palliative medicine specialist early in treatment, especially when they are optimistic about the outcome. But the services of a specialist can make the experience more positive and more manageable for you.
Palliative care involves team-based input from a variety of disciplines, such as physicians, advanced practice nurses and licensed clinical social workers. As a team, we can help maintain your quality of life through your surgery and recovery by providing specialized medical care that emphasizes a whole-person approach—addressing physical symptoms along with the psychological, spiritual and cultural aspects of your care.
Palliative care includes pain and symptom management, whether related to the mastectomy or as side effects of treatment. Palliative care also includes care coordination—professionals who advocate for your goals and well-being.
The first step is to have your oncologist or primary care physician refer you to Midwest CareCenter for a palliative care consultation.
Once we receive the referral, one of our physicians or advanced practice nurses* (APN) will evaluate your condition and provide education about what medications might be most beneficial to prevent or treat symptoms, even before surgery. The practitioner will work closely with your oncologist as you consider treatment options and therapies, and can help you manage your recovery effectively.
In collaboration with our palliative care physicians, a Midwest CareCenter APN will make follow-up visits to help support your plan of care, monitoring and adjusting your medications to relieve discomfort or distressing symptoms. The nurse also will communicate with your physicians if necessary.
If you need physical therapy or home nursing, the APN can help you access these services. And our social workers can provide additional support for you and your family—before and after your surgery. Symptoms of distress aren’t always physical, and having support
and comfort are vitally important.
Receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer will have an impact on your life regardless of the outcome of surgery. Your palliative care team will provide support and can help you access any practical assistance you need to undergo surgery, recovery and treatment with confidence and comfort. Throughout this process, your goals of care will be addressed, discussed and honored.
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