Articles: palliative-care.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Nov 1998
A Canadian survey of cancer patients' experiences: are their needs being met?
Cancer patients (n = 913) who received treatment within the previous 2 years were interviewed to quantify reports of symptoms associated with cancer, measure the impact of symptoms on lifestyles, document experiences with accessing information and treatment for cancer and its symptoms, and record attitudes about the level of care received. Cancer patients were primarily recruited through newspaper ads placed throughout Canada and asked to complete a self-report questionnaire. Patients called a toll-free number and were interviewed to ensure eligibility. ⋯ Respondents were more likely to be dissatisfied with their treatments for their symptoms than for their cancer. This survey indicates that most cancer patients experience symptoms related to the disease and its treatment. The most prevalent symptoms are fatigue and anxiety; fatigue is the most debilitating.
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J Pain Symptom Manage · Oct 1998
Case ReportsOndansetron in nausea and vomiting induced by spinal morphine.
Nausea and vomiting induced by opioids are relatively frequent in advanced cancer patients, although other factors may play a role. These effects, which tend to disappear after repeated dosing, can usually be controlled with antiemetic drugs, including metoclopramide, haloperidol, and phenothiazines. Occasionally, nausea and vomiting persist, in spite of the prolonged administration of the antiemetic treatment. We report a patient who had nausea and vomiting that was resistant to common antiemetic treatments, change in opioid drugs, and change in route of administration, and who had a complete and immediate response to parenteral or oral ondansetron.