| In December 2008,Wholesale Jerseys China, when Coletta Benn-Alphonso, a nurse, carried out a routine self breast examination she found the unthinkable. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.Today Benn-Alphonso is a breast cancer survivor and is anticipating her 60th birthday. She takes medications nightly and maintains a healthy lifestyle which includes regular exercise, and a high protein diet with fresh fruits and vegetables.Reflecting on her past experience, Benn-Alphonso revealed that she underwent an operation to remove the tumour (lump). This tumour was tested and the result confirmed her fears. Cancer patients,Cheap NHL Jerseys, Donna Nassy and Latchmi Barron undergoing chemotherapy at GPHCThe cancer was at an early stage and she commenced treatment at the Chemotherapy Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). During that two-year period, Benn-Alphonso completed eight 21-day cycles of chemotherapy.According to Chandrawattie Singh, the only nurse administering chemotherapy treatment at GPHC, the facility has been providing chemotherapy services for decades free of cost to cancer patients. She noted that the treatments of patients are case specific since there are various types of cancers — breast,NFL Jerseys From China, colon, cervical and bone.In addition,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, treatment is also dependent on the stage of the cancer. If the cancer is detected at an early stage the patient’s survival chances increases.Cancer is a chronic non-communicable disease and is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Symptoms of cancer depend on the type and the location of the tumour.However, the following symptoms are common in most cancers: chills,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, malaise, night sweats, and weight loss.Patients receiving chemotherapy treatment must be referred from one of GPHC’s specialist clinics and must possess a histology report since the department focuses on treatment and not diagnosis.To obtain the histology report a biopsy (removing tissue from the area which is suspected cancerous) must be conducted. The sample is sent to the laboratory for testing and the result is usually available within two weeks.Singh stated that the department has more than 60 patients but owing to the 21-day cycle treatment,Jerseys NFL China, only six to eight patients visit the facility daily. She explained that the medications are given concurrently for a day or two and then the same medication is repeated within 21 days. This goes on for about four cycles.This method of treating patients is done to give the body a rest since the chemicals are toxic and may damage good blood cells. Singh asserted that the medications are very effective in killing cancer cells.It was emphasized that though some patients may undergo successful treatments cancer cells remain in their systems. Whenever, the cancer recurs the patient has to commence treatment afresh.This is the case for 54-year-old Donna Nassy, a breast cancer patient who is currently undergoing chemotherapy at GPHC for the second time. Nassy noted that this second treatment commenced in May 2011. Besides the constant pain she feels nauseous from time to time.The woman recounted that in June 2010 a lump was discovered in her right breast. The histology report identified what was indeed a tumour as an abscess.Nassy added that various operations were carried out to remove the abscess which continuously reappeared. After one of the many operations, her body tissues were healing internally but externally the incision was deteriorating.This alarmed Nassy who contacted her doctor and was later told that she had cancer.Some patients find cancer stifling and they need emotional support. The department has a support group where patients are involved in many activities such as prayers and sharing experiences.Non-governmental organizations such as the Beacon Foundation also assist in offering support to patients.The nurses attached to the Beacon Foundation have been a lifeline to Latchmi Barron, a 55-year-old cervical cancer patient.Barron revealed that whenever she feels depressed she calls the Beacon Foundation and speaks to a nurse.Like Nassy, Barron is undergoing treatment for the second time. The woman noted that for the past two years she has been undergoing chemotherapy.According to Singh, patients need to maintain a healthy, positive life and avoid some risk factors that may trigger the cancerous cells. They should avoid smoking and poor diet. They need to be loved and know that there is hope. |
