Case 4: Can Immunotherapy be an Alternative to High Risk Colon Surgery in a Senior with Cancer?
Profile: “Robert,” an 83-year-old gentleman diagnosed with localized colon cancer. He lives with severe COPD, high blood pressure, and a highly dangerous genetic blood-clotting disorder that keeps him on chronic blood thinners. He is independent with daily self-care but relies on family for heavy household tasks. The Core Challenge Robert is “pre-frail,” meaning he functions […]
Case 3: As a Senior; You Should Review Your Medications and Medication List Before Undergoing Major Cancer Surgery
Profile: “Helen,” a 75-year-old lifelong non-smoker who was diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer as an incidental finding on a scan. She takes 15 daily medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, and other medical conditions.But she walks multiple blocks easily, retains an excellent appetite, and feels perfectly well. The Core Challenge Helen represents a classic scenario where […]
Case 2: As a Senior with Cancer, You Should be PRO-active. Ask about PRE-hab.
Profile: “George,” an 81-year-old grandfather recovering from a recent hip fracture who is now preparing for complex pancreatic surgery. While he is independent enough to cook for his family and walk blocks, he currently uses a cane and has poorly managed, wheezing lung issues (COPD/asthma). The Core Challenge George possesses incredible resilience, an active household […]
Case 1: Balancing Blood Thinners and Big Procedures
PROFILE: “Arthur,” a 79-year-old gentleman facing localized stomach cancer. He is highly active, independent, and navigates stairs without difficulty, but he lives with an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) and a history of gastrointestinal bleeding. The Core Challenge Arthur is physically “fit” for major surgery, meaning his baseline energy, physical reserve, and organ functions are excellent. […]
When Surgery Isn’t the Only Answer: Navigating Multiple Diagnoses in Your 80s
At a Glance: Key Takeaways Introduction: The “Overwhelming” Scan In my 12 years of practicing geriatric oncology, I’ve sat across from many families who feel like the world has shifted under their feet. This often happens after a PET-CT scan—a test that is very good at finding “spots.” Sometimes, it finds several at once: a […]
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in Your late 80s: FOCUS on What Really Matters
At a Glance: Key Takeaways Introduction: A Different Perspective on a Tough Diagnosis In my 12 years of practicing geriatric oncology, I have seen a shift in how we approach a diagnosis like pancreatic cancer in our older patients. There was a time when a patient in their late 80s might have been told they […]
Treating Cancer Pain in a Senior: A Simple Guide for the Caregivers
If you are caring for an older adult with cancer, you have likely confronted the unspoken fear that often looms larger than the diagnosis itself: the fear of pain. There is a common misconception that serious suffering is just “part of the deal” with cancer. But as discussed in the video Cancer Pain Management for […]
These 4Ps Can Help You as the Cargeiver to Reduce Fatigue of a Senior with Cancer.
If you are caring for an older adult with cancer, you have likely witnessed a specific kind of exhaustion. It isn’t just “tiredness” from a long day. It is Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF)—a bone-deep, biological exhaustion caused by the cancer itself and treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. It is the kind of fatigue that a good […]
Tips for Managing Nausea in an Elderly with Cancer; A Caregiver’s Guide
When a loved one is undergoing chemotherapy, the side effects can feel like a storm that you, as a caregiver, are desperately trying to navigate. Among these, Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) is often the most immediate and visceral challenge. While modern anti-nausea medications (antiemetics) are the foundation of treatment, they aren’t always a perfect […]
As a Senior with Cancer, You May Need to Visit ER. Read this Beforehand.
Facing a cancer diagnosis, especially as an older adult, comes with many challenges. For caregivers, one of the most stressful experiences can be an unexpected, middle-of-the-night dash to the Emergency Room. In those first few moments, adrenaline floods your system. The chaos, the fear, and the frantic scramble to find shoes, keys, and vital information […]