Care of a Patient with Cancer
A 70-year-old was diagnosed with colon cancer 3 years ago. At that time he underwent IV combination chemotherapy. He responded to the chemotherapy regimen until about 6 months ago when his colon cancer returned. His oncologist has now prescribed oral chemotherapy, which has been effective for some colon cancers. When you talk with the patient, his comment to you is that “this new drug will be a breeze. I’ll just take it like my other pills. My wife puts those out for me to take.”
1. What concerns do you have about this man’s response to his oral chemotherapy and why?
2. How will you respond to the man’s comments about his oral chemotherapy drug?
