Main description:

This comprehensive guide to managing pain and other symptoms for people with cancer has helped tens of thousands of patients and families. Designed for busy practicing clinicians, A Physician's Guide to Pain and Symptom Management in Cancer Patients provides primary care physicians, advanced practice nurses, internists, and oncologists with detailed information and advice for alleviating the stress and pain of patients and family members alike. Drawing on the work of experts who have developed revolutionary approaches to symptom management and palliative care, as well as on the lessons learned from patients and their families during her thirty years as a teacher and clinician, Dr. Janet L. Abrahm shows how physicians and other caregivers can help patients and families heal emotionally even as the disease progresses. The third edition includes updates to medications and clinical stories, and features two new chapters: "Working with Patients' Families" and "Sexuality, Intimacy, and Cancer." New lessons from palliative care and hospice care can help patients, their professional caregivers, and their families support each other every step of the way.

Contents:

List of Figures and Tables
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I: Hidden Concerns, Unasked Questions
1. Early Days
2. Helping Patients Accept Opioid Pain Medication
3. Working with Patients' Families with Arden O'Donnell, MPH, MSW, LICSW
4. Approaching the End
Part II: Pain Control, Symptom Management, and Palliative Care
5. Assessing the Patient in Pain
6. Pharmacologic Management of Cancer Pain
7. Nonpharmacologic Strategies for Pain and Symptom Management
8. Sexuality, Intimacy, and Cancer with Amanda Moment, MSW, LICSW
9. Managing Other Distressing Problems
10. The Last Days . . . and the Bereaved
Clinician Bibliography
Patient and Family Bibliography
Index