Caring for a loved one with cancer is not easy, especially when the potential threat an emergency is looming on the horizon.
When doctors diagnosed my husband, Brian, with pleural mesothelioma, they gave him three to nine months prognosis. Although he was 52 at diagnosis and outside appeared healthy, I began to fear that he might die at any time after the three-month mark.
At the time, one of my main concerns is that Brian would suddenly have trouble breathing. Do I know how to deal with this kind of emergency? I do not think I would.
After some online research about cancer symptoms and face my fears, resulting from a lack of understanding of mesothelioma, I put together an emergency plan with important phone numbers, copies Brian records and my own support network of friends and family
my emergency plan
the emergency plan I put together included phone numbers for :.
- The doctor Brian
- The Medical Emergency Service
- administration of the hospital
- Friends and family I could count on practical support
I gathered her medical records and imaging results, and held them together in an accessible place so that I can provide a medical team with all the information they would need.
I also learned oxygen tanks and masks could be delivered to our home. Once, I was shown how to operate the tanks, I could use the oxygen mask on Brian if an emergency arose. It was a huge relief, but there were other things I was concerned.
What would he need to the hospital in an emergency?
I solved that by buying a small travel case he could take her to the hospital with him. It consisted of two pairs of pajamas, underwear, toiletries, reading material and its set of spare glasses.
The bag also contained a list of all medications, their dosages and any other information nurses would need.
Creating an emergency support system
Because any emergencies experienced Brian would add stress to my responsibilities, I need to put together a support team 'emergency.
at the time of disease ?? Brian, we lived in the remote town of Exmouth, in the extreme northern part of Western Australia. Exmouth The hospital was not equipped to deal with the status of Brian ?? and we had to travel to Perth for medical treatment.
If a medical emergency involved Brian Perth airline, I would accompany him. This meant I had to find that I could rely on to look after our home and pets in our absence. I also had to determine that I could stay with in Perth, and would be free to provide me with transportation to and from the hospital.
After discussing what I need in an emergency with my family and friends, I am able to put together a list of names and numbers I could call my needs time . I had these names on the speed dial.
Emergency Plan Builds Peace of Mind
Brian survived for two years ?? well beyond his initial prognosis.
Caring for him during this period was physically and emotionally exhausting. Although he left me heart broken, I found peace in knowing that I had made a difference in the quality of life of Brian ??.
I really had supported him until he died.
Have an emergency plan in place well-developed mitigated many of my concerns. I am able to focus on efforts to help Brian and remain able to enjoy his life to the best of his ability without pain.
