By Patient Education Bloggers on May 15, 2012 8:25 AM
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By Lura Lumsden, health education specialist, Patient Education Office - The Learning Center
Growing up in a small town in Virginia, I always had a huge vegetable garden, so eating healthy was easy. When I went to college, my diet changed. With my main focus on studying, I rarely cooked and often opted for quick meals that weren't always the healthiest option.
Since I began working at MD Anderson in The Learning Center, I've tried to live a healthier lifestyle. Good nutrition has become a priority, and I pay close attention to what my family eats. To ensure that we eat more fruits and vegetables, I prep all of the produce when I get home from the grocery store. I wash, cut and store it in the fridge so that I can grab and go.
What we offer The Learning Center offers free information at all levels -- from very basic materials all the way to physician-level resources.
Although many of the cookbooks in The Learning Center are cancer-specific, the recipes are for anyone who wants to eat healthier.
Our Nutrition Pathfinder is a condensed list of reliable resources including books, cookbooks, videos, brochures and periodicals. Patients and family members are encouraged to use our email reference service to send us their questions. Contact us at asktlcstaff@mdanderson.org.
Nutrition for patients Proper nutrition is important for people who have cancer. The disease and treatment can cause changes in appetite. If you are experiencing changes in appetite or difficulty eating you should speak with a dietitian. At MD Anderson, every patient has access to a dietitian, so ask your doctor for a referral.
By Patient Education Bloggers on December 20, 2011 8:00 AM
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By Bonnie Nelson
Know your options Your doctor has just told you that you have localized prostate cancer. While he's explaining your treatment options, all you're trying to do is not panic.
He's discussing different types of surgery or radiation therapies, while you're probably wondering, "What is localized prostate cancer?" and "How am I supposed to decide which treatment option is best?"
This
decision can be overwhelming and at times frightening. There are so
many different things to consider, so many new terms to learn and so
many opinions. Take a deep breath; here's some advice.
"Take your time, get the facts, and make a 'game plan.' " Decision aid Decision aids exist in various forms (e.g., pamphlets or videos) and are designed to
help people understand their health care options, consider the personal
importance of possible benefits and harms, and participate in decision
making. Decision aids are used when there's more than one medically
reasonable option.
Recently, a new decision aid for men with localized prostate cancer was released on the web and is available to the public. "Knowing Your Options"
is an interactive, web-based decision aid designed to prepare men who
have been diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer to have an
informed discussion with their doctor about which treatment options are
best for them.
By Patient Education Bloggers on December 12, 2011 8:05 AM
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By Nita Pyle, associate director, Patient Education
Think
about the last time you wanted to learn something. What did you do? Did
you attend a lecture? Did you "Google" the topic? How about read a book
or magazine? Maybe, take a course?
As adults, we have developed
ways of learning that suit us best. Some of us are listeners, some
prefer reading and digesting information slowly, and some want that
hands-on experience that uses all our senses.
What you really need to know As patient educators, we know that patients have a preferred learning style. We also know that there are barriers to learning at any particular moment. Your pain level might be too high or you are sick to your stomach. Your brain function seems fuzzy or maybe you don't have your glasses.
Health care professionals know patients are motivated to learn because the content pertains to you and your well-being.
As
a patient, you no doubt have been inundated with printed materials to
read. Has anyone told you what's really important in that material for
you to know and remember? Some of it may be nice to know, but not
critical. Tips to take control Here are things you might want to consider when you want to learn, need to learn or when it's just not a good time to learn.
By Patient Education Bloggers on September 21, 2011 8:11 AM
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By Jan Peine, Anderson Network volunteer
Having a cancer diagnosis is frightening enough. Having a more rare form of cancer adds a layer of isolation to the mix.
I have neuroendocrine tumors known as carcinoid, which have metastasized from my intestines to my liver. There is no cure at this stage, but it is often slow growing.
While this may sound like a late diagnosis, the discovery of my tumors was early for a carcinoid patient. Most carcinoid tumor patients spend several years with intestinal pains, diarrhea, bloating or facial flushing. They go from doctor to doctor for a diagnosis, or from one incorrect diagnosis (such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease) to another. Shell shock In my case, I felt healthy, with good results on my annual check-up. But because I was older than 50, I decided to get a colonoscopy.
When I woke from that procedure the doctor said he found an interesting nodule, which he sampled. The lab performed some special staining on the tissue sample. It was carcinoid cancer.
By Patient Education Bloggers on August 8, 2011 8:28 AM
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By Monica Lewis, librarian, Patient Education Office-The Learning Center
Libraries: The medicine chest of the soul. -- Library at Thebes, inscription over the door.
A
cancer diagnosis often triggers a frantic search for information.
Unfortunately, your favorite search engine may not always be the best
resource for health information. Websites can be full of inaccurate or
outdated information.
The Learning Center
at MD Anderson is a consumer health library that offers free access to
pamphlets, books, databases and medical journals featuring current and
reliable medical information to help answer your questions.
The
staff will guide you through the research process and help you find
information you need to make informed decisions. Common research topics
include treatment options, drug information, clinical trials and treatment side effects.
By Patient Education Bloggers on July 11, 2011 11:21 AM
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By Lorianne Classen, senior health education specialist, Patient Education Office
Chanel
is one of the most cheerful people I have ever met. Her smile can light
up a room. I had the opportunity to meet her after she attended a patient education class at MD Anderson.
This
class provides information on side effects related to chemotherapy,
radiation and surgery. It also focuses on the role nutrition plays in
managing side effects and staying healthy through treatment. Taught by
an experienced nurse, the class gives patients and caregivers an
opportunity to have their specific questions answered.
For Chanel, mouth and throat sores
were an issue. They were making it difficult for her to eat. But thanks
to advice from the class instructor, she learned how to manage the
sores and relieve the discomfort.
She also received tips on
managing other side effects that were bothering her. According to
Chanel, after attending the class she felt "more prepared to handle the
battle ahead."
Patient education classes are offered on many
topics, such as fatigue, bowel management and diabetes.
Learn more about
the classes and hear about Chanel's experience.
You can also call the Patient Education Office at 713-792-7128.
Growing up in a small town in Virginia, I always had a huge vegetable garden, so eating healthy was easy. When I went to college, my diet changed. With my main focus on studying, I rarely cooked and often opted for quick meals that weren't always the healthiest option. 
