Hospital, insurance & practical
12 articles shown
Receiving Home Care Nursing After Discharge — What to Know When You're on a Feeding Tube, IV Fluids, and Parenteral Nutrition
An overview of home care nursing after hospital discharge — what it is, how nurses help manage feeding tubes, IV fluids, and parenteral nutrition at home, how to arrange it, what to check about coverage and cost, and the warning signs to watch for.
When Your Doctor Retires and Your Follow-Up Moves to a 'Cancer Prevention Center' — Why Survivorship Surveillance Can Happen There
When a physician retires, post-treatment follow-up may move to a cancer prevention or survivorship clinic. This usually means structured surveillance, not abandonment. Before transferring, confirm the referral path for recurrence, that records are shared, and that the test schedule is preserved.
When Your New Stoma Barely Drains and a Tube Is Needed — Understanding Low Output, Blockage, and Early Diet Adjustment
Why a new stoma may drain little or need tube decompression (temporary bowel slowdown, blockage), how to ease into early eating, and the warning signs to watch for at home.
When New Symptoms Appear While Waiting for Hospice — Refusing Life-Sustaining Treatment Does Not Mean Stopping All Care
Declining life-sustaining treatment means refusing specific end-of-life procedures (CPR, intubation, and the like) — not stopping symptom-relief care for pain, infection, or urinary problems. While waiting for hospice, new symptoms can be actively managed by contacting the main hospital's clinic or emergency department or the accepting facility, and using opioid painkillers when needed is appropriate care at this stage.
The First Night Home After Your First Chemo — Watching for Fever and Nausea in the First 24–48 Hours
A calm guide to the first 24–48 hours after your first chemotherapy session: how to watch for fever (a possible sign of febrile neutropenia) and nausea, and which symptoms mean you should contact your care team or go to the emergency department.
Nosebleeds During Chemotherapy — Nasal Lining, Platelets, How to Stop the Bleeding at Home, and Warning Signs to Know
Nosebleeds during chemotherapy can stem from low platelets or a dry, irritated nasal lining. This piece explains how to stop bleeding by leaning forward and pinching the nose for 10–15 minutes, and the warning signs—bleeding that won't stop, dizziness, or fever—that mean you should call your team or seek emergency care.
Before a Multidisciplinary Team Meeting: What It Is and How a Caregiver Can Prepare
An explainer on what a multidisciplinary team meeting is, why it can be held for purposes other than surgery, and practical ways a caregiver can prepare a symptom log and question list while managing their own fear.
When Stool Turns Black or Bloody and Dizziness Meets a Falling Blood Pressure — Reading the Warning Signs of GI Bleeding in Cancer Patients
In cancer patients, black (melena) or red bloody stool together with dizziness, falling blood pressure, and a fast pulse can signal dangerous gastrointestinal bleeding. Since a transfusion refills blood but does not stop the source, this article outlines the warning signs to watch for and what to prepare when heading to the emergency room.
When Acne-Like Rash and Dry Skin Appear During Treatment: Managing Skin Side Effects of EGFR-Inhibitor Targeted Therapy
A plain-language guide to the common acne-like rash and dry skin caused by EGFR-inhibitor targeted therapy in colorectal cancer, with practical skin-care tips and warning signs to report.
General Ward vs. Inpatient Hospice: How the Costs Differ When You Have No Insurance
Inpatient hospice and a general ward are priced through different systems. Learn how private caregiving fees compare with insurance flat-rate hospice coverage, and how to ask the billing and social work teams for estimated out-of-pocket costs in advance.
When Tingling and Numb Hands and Feet Make You Stumble on the Stairs — Understanding Oxaliplatin Peripheral Neuropathy and Staying Safe
Oxaliplatin commonly causes tingling and numbness in the hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy). This piece explains the acute and chronic patterns, offers practical tips to reduce stair and fall risk, and lists warning signs to report to your care team.
Heading Out for the Day Without Bathroom Worries — Enjoying Outings After Ostomy Reversal
A practical guide to reducing bathroom worries on outings after ostomy reversal. It explains the gastrocolic reflex behind post-meal urges, and offers tips on timing meals to your route, keeping pre-activity meals lighter, packing a small kit, choosing aisle seats, and recognizing dehydration or fever signs that warrant calling your care team.