When a cherished family member receives an ovarian cancer diagnosis, the path ahead can feel daunting and complex. As a hospice registered nurse case manager specializing in empathetic end-of-life care, I am here to offer you clear and compassionate direction. In this article, we will discuss the anticipated stages of ovarian cancer, the transformations you may notice in your loved one, and effective methods to ensure optimal care from diagnosis to the journey’s close.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer
If your loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, you may have many questions and concerns. Ovarian cancer is a severe disease that affects the female reproductive system. The reproductive system is where babies are made. The ovaries are two small organs that make eggs and hormones. Hormones are chemicals that control how your body works. Sometimes, the cells in the ovaries or nearby areas grow too fast and form a lump called a tumor. This is called ovarian cancer. There are various kinds of ovarian cancer, and some are more common than others. Some things can make your loved one more likely to get ovarian cancer, such as getting older, having a family member who had ovarian cancer, being significantly overweight, or taking certain medicines after menopause. Menopause is when a woman stops having periods and can no longer have babies. Ovarian cancer can cause some signs that something is wrong, such as feeling full quickly, having pain in the belly or pelvis, having trouble eating or going to the bathroom more often. However, these signs can also be caused by other things, making them hard to notice. The best way to find out if your loved one has ovarian cancer is to see a doctor who can do some tests and check their health. The doctor can also tell you what treatment your loved one needs. Treatment is what the doctor does to try to make your loved one better. The most common treatments for ovarian cancer are surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery is when the doctor removes the tumor and sometimes other parts of the reproductive system. Chemotherapy is when the doctor gives your loved one special medicine that kills the cancer cells. Ovarian cancer is a scary and challenging thing to deal with, but your loved one is not alone. You can provide them with care and support, such as helping them with daily tasks, listening to their feelings, and encouraging them to follow the doctor’s advice. You can also find support for yourself from other people who care for someone with ovarian cancer. They can share their stories and tips with you and make you feel less alone. Ovarian cancer is not your loved one’s fault, and they can still have a good and happy life.
Stages of Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer can be different for different people. One way to describe how much the cancer has grown or spread is to use stages. Stages are numbers that tell you how big the tumor is and where it is in the body. Knowing the stage of the cancer can help you and the doctor decide what kind of treatment is best for your loved one. Here are the main stages of ovarian cancer and what they mean:
Early Stage (I and II)
This means that the cancer is only in the ovaries or nearby areas, such as the fallopian tubes or the lining of the belly. The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus, where the baby grows. The lining of the belly is called the peritoneum, and it covers and protects the organs inside. Early-stage ovarian cancer is easier to treat than later stages because the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. The most common treatment for early-stage ovarian cancer is surgery, where the doctor removes the tumor and sometimes other parts of the reproductive system. Sometimes, the doctor may also give chemotherapy after surgery to make sure that all the cancer cells are gone. Early-stage ovarian cancer may not cause any symptoms, so it can be hard to find. That’s why it’s important for your loved one to see their doctor regularly and tell them if they notice any changes in their body or how they feel.
Advanced Stage (III and IV)
This means that the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries and nearby areas to other parts of the belly or even other organs, such as the lungs or the liver. The lungs are where you breathe, and the liver is where you filter your blood. Advanced-stage ovarian cancer is more challenging to treat than early-stage ovarian cancer because the cancer affects more of the body. The most common treatment for advanced-stage ovarian cancer is a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery is where the doctor removes as much of the tumor and the affected organs as possible. Chemotherapy is where the doctor gives your loved one special medicine that kills the cancer cells. Sometimes, the doctor may also use targeted therapies, which are medicines that attack specific features of the cancer cells. Advanced-stage ovarian cancer can cause more symptoms, such as swelling or pain in your loved one’s belly, changes in bowel habits, weight loss, or shortness of breath. These symptoms can make your loved one feel uncomfortable or sick, but there are ways to manage them. The doctor can give your loved one medicine or other treatments to help them feel better. You can also help your loved one by preparing healthy meals, helping them stay active, giving them rest, and comforting them. Advanced-stage ovarian cancer can be scary and stressful, but your loved one doesn’t have to face it alone. You can show them your love and support, such as being there for them, listening to their worries, and cheering them up. You can also find comfort and hope from other people who have ovarian cancer or who have survived it. They can inspire you and your loved one to keep fighting. Ovarian cancer is not the end of your loved one’s story, and they can still enjoy their life and make it meaningful.
The Ovarian Cancer Journey
Ovarian cancer is a difficult disease, and its journey has different parts. Knowing these parts can help you get ready for what comes next.
Diagnosis and Treatment: When your loved one finds out they have ovarian cancer, their doctors will make a plan to treat it. This may include surgery, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies. Surgery is when the doctors remove the tumor and sometimes other parts of the reproductive system. Chemotherapy is when the doctors give your loved one special medicine that kills the cancer cells. Targeted therapies are medicines that attack specific features of the cancer cells. The treatment plan depends on the type and stage of the cancer and how your loved one feels. The goal of the treatment is to get rid of the cancer or slow it down.
Symptom Management: Ovarian cancer can cause some signs that something is wrong, such as pain, nausea, and fatigue. Pain is when your loved one feels hurt or sore. Nausea is when your loved one feels sick to their stomach. Fatigue is when your loved one feels very tired. These signs can make your loved one feel bad or sad, but there are ways to help them. As a hospice nurse, I know how to manage these symptoms with medicines or other treatments. Talking to the doctors is especially important to ensure your loved one is comfortable.
End-of-Life Care: As the cancer grows or spreads, hospice care becomes particularly important for making your loved one’s life better. Hospice care is when a team of nurses, doctors, and other helpers comes to your home or a special place to care for your loved one. The job of hospice is to give your loved one medicine or other treatments to help them feel calm and peaceful. They also provide emotional support for you and your loved one. Emotional support is when I listen to your feelings and worries and help you cope. Hospice care is not about giving up but about making the most of the time you have with your loved one.
Changes You Might Observe
Ovarian cancer can cause some changes in your loved one’s life. These changes can affect how they look, feel, and act.
Physical Changes: Your loved one may have changes in their body because of the cancer or the treatment. They may eat less or more, feel tired or weak, or have trouble moving around. These changes can make your loved one uncomfortable or unhappy, but there are ways to help them. Hospice can give your loved one medicine or other treatments to ease their pain or nausea. They can also help your loved one stay clean and comfortable. You can help your loved one by giving them healthy food and drinks, helping them rest, and keeping them warm.
Emotional Changes: Your loved one may have some changes in their feelings because of the cancer or the treatment. They may feel scared, sad, or unsure about what will happen. These feelings are normal and understandable but can also make your loved one feel lonely or hopeless. Hospice staff can listen to your loved one’s feelings and worries and help them cope. I can also offer them emotional support and comfort. You can help your loved one by being there for them, talking to them, and cheering them up.
Practical Changes: Your loved one may have changes in their daily life because of the cancer or the treatment. They may need more help dressing, bathing, or cooking. They may also need more medical equipment or supplies at home. These changes can make your loved one feel dependent or frustrated, but they can also make your life easier and safer. Hospice can teach you how to care for your loved one at home and provide the necessary equipment and supplies. I can also help you coordinate with other helpers, such as doctors, social workers, or volunteers. You can help your loved one by learning to care for them, following the doctor’s instructions, and asking for help when needed.
Providing Compassionate Care
When your loved one has ovarian cancer, you want to give them the best care possible. Showing love and understanding while also taking care of yourself can be challenging. Caring for someone with ovarian cancer requires empathy and practical strategies. Here are some topics that can help you provide compassionate care:
Open Communication
Talking honestly with your loved one about their cancer, treatment, and wishes is crucial. It can help with decision-making, future planning, and coping with emotions. However, these conversations can be difficult and intimidating. You may worry about saying the wrong thing or causing distress.
Hospice nurses and social workers can guide you on how to have these crucial conversations. They can provide tips on starting discussions, asking questions, and listening effectively. They’ll also help you respect your loved one’s choices, even if they differ from yours.
Comfort and Pain Management
Making your loved one comfortable is a top priority. You want to ease their pain and improve their well-being. Sometimes, pain can be challenging to control and may affect mood, sleep, and quality of life.
Hospice teams specialize in pain relief and comfort care. They can explain how pain works, how to measure it, and various treatment options. They’ll advise on using medications safely and effectively and managing side effects. Hospice staff can also suggest complementary comfort measures like massage, music, or aromatherapy.
Emotional Support
Ovarian cancer can significantly impact your loved one’s emotional health. They may experience anxiety, sadness, anger, guilt, or loneliness. These feelings are normal but can be overwhelming.
Hospice professionals understand the emotional toll of ovarian cancer. They can offer insights on supporting your loved one emotionally by recognizing and validating their feelings. They’ll also guide you in caring for your emotional well-being, providing tips on coping with stress, grief, and burnout. Hospice social workers can connect you with additional resources like support groups or counseling services.
Creating Meaningful Moments
Time spent with your loved one is precious. You want to make the most of it and create lasting memories. Helping your loved one find meaning and celebrating their life is also essential.
Hospice team members can suggest activities to enjoy together, such as reading, watching movies, or playing games. They can help you plan special occasions and find ways to document your loved one’s life story. They can also guide you through the process of saying goodbye, expressing love, gratitude, and forgiveness.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Hospice professionals support you and your loved one, providing compassionate care and valuable guidance every step of the way.
Providing End-of-Life Care
There may come a time when the cancer treatment is no longer working, and your loved one is nearing the end of life. This can be an exceedingly difficult and emotional time for both of you. You may feel sad, angry, scared, or numb. You may also have many questions and concerns about what will happen and how to help your loved one. This section will give tips on providing end-of-life care and ensuring comfort and peace for your loved one.
Hospice Care: Hospice care focuses on making your loved one as comfortable as possible in the last months, weeks, or days of life. Hospice care does not try to cure cancer or prolong life but rather to relieve pain and other symptoms, such as nausea, shortness of breath, or anxiety. Hospice care also provides emotional and spiritual support for your loved one and family. Hospice care can be given at home, in a hospital, or at a hospice facility, depending on your loved one’s needs and preferences. You can help your loved one by:
Talking to the doctor about hospice care. You can ask the doctor if your loved one is eligible for hospice care and when it might be appropriate to start. You can also ask the doctor for a referral to a hospice program in your area. You can find more information about hospice care from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization or the American Cancer Society.
Choosing a hospice program that meets your loved one’s needs. You can compare hospice programs based on their services, staff, costs, and location. You can also visit the hospice facility or talk to the staff to understand their philosophy and approach. You can ask questions such as:
What services do you offer, and how often?
Who will be part of the hospice team, and how will they communicate with us?
How do you manage pain and other symptoms?
How do you provide emotional and spiritual support?
How do you involve the family in the care plan?
How do you handle emergencies or after-hours calls?
How do you coordinate with other healthcare providers?
How do you bill for your services, and what insurance do you accept?
Working with the hospice team to create a care plan. The hospice team will include a doctor, a nurse, a social worker, a chaplain, a counselor, a home health aide, and a volunteer. They will work with you and your loved one to create a care plan that reflects your loved one’s wishes and goals. The care plan will include details such as:
What medications and treatments will your loved one receive, and how will they be administered?
What equipment and supplies will your loved one need, and how will they be delivered?
What comfort measures and complementary therapies will your loved one use, such as massage, music, or aromatherapy?
What emotional and spiritual support will your loved one and your family receive, such as counseling, prayer, or rituals?
What legal and financial matters must your loved one and your family address, such as advance directives, wills, or funeral arrangements?
Providing care and support for your loved one. You will be the primary caregiver for your loved one, but you will not be alone. The hospice team will visit your loved one regularly and be available by phone 24/7. They will teach you how to care for your loved one, such as giving medications, changing dressings, or using equipment. They will also monitor your loved one’s condition and adjust the care plan. You can also ask for help from other family members, friends, or volunteers. You can help your loved one by:
Giving them their medications and treatments as prescribed and on time. Do not skip or change the doses without consulting the hospice team.
Keeping track of their pain and symptom level and how well the medications and treatments are working. Report any changes or concerns to the hospice team.
Providing comfort measures, such as massage, heat, ice, or distraction. You can also help them find a comfortable position, use pillows or cushions, or adjust the lighting or temperature in the room.
Being there for them emotionally and spiritually. Listen to their feelings and concerns without judging or interrupting. Try to be positive and hopeful but also realistic and honest. Share your feelings and fears with your loved one or someone you trust. You can also seek professional help from a counselor or therapist if you or your loved one are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious.
Emotional Well-being: The end of life can be a time of mixed emotions for your loved one and family. Your loved one may feel grateful, peaceful, or relieved but also sad, angry, or scared. They may also have regrets, unfinished business, or unfulfilled dreams. You can help your loved one by:
Help them find meaning and purpose in their lives. You can help them reflect on their life story, achievements, values, and legacy. You can also help them express their gratitude, forgiveness, or love to those who matter to them. You can use different methods like writing, drawing, recording, or making a scrapbook.
Helping them cope with their fears and worries. You can help them identify and address their sources of fear and worry, such as pain, suffering, loss of control, or the unknown. You can also help them find ways to reduce their anxiety and worry, such as talking, praying, meditating, or breathing. You can also help them find comfort and hope in their faith, beliefs, or philosophy.
Helping them create cherished memories. You can help them make the most of their time with their loved ones. You can help them plan and enjoy special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. You can also help them create meaningful gifts, such as letters, videos, or jewelry, for their loved ones to remember them.
Conclusion: Navigating the Journey with Compassion
Ovarian cancer is a challenging disease, but you and your loved one can face it with courage and love. You can give your loved one the best care possible by being empathic, understanding, and informed. You can also take care of yourself and your own needs by getting support from others. You are not alone on this journey; many people and resources can help you and your loved one. You can find more information and support from these sources:
The American Cancer Society: This website has information about ovarian cancer, its treatment, and its impact. It also has a helpline you can call anytime to talk to a cancer expert.
The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition: This website has information and resources for ovarian cancer patients and their families. It also has a network of local chapters that offer support groups, events, and education.
The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance: This website provides information and news about research and advocacy for ovarian cancer. It also has a program that connects ovarian cancer survivors with newly diagnosed patients for peer support.
The Hospice Foundation of America: This website has information and resources about hospice care and end-of-life issues. It also has a toll-free number that you can call to find a hospice provider near you.
