Being a Cancer Patient's Carer

Part time Consultant in Medical Education to the Distance Learning Centre (Nursing and Palliative Care), University of Dundee and Part time Clinical Research Physician at Inveresk Research, Edinburgh, a cancer patient and a carer of a cancer patient

Part 1: Preparing to be a carer: plans, promises and pledges. Befriending the patient. Taking time for yourself. Taking responsibility for the patient's personal affairs. Financial issues associated with being a carer. Part 2: Plain speaking: communication. The patient has been given bad news. You know the patient has cancer before they do. Avoiding collusion with the patient. Part 3: Practical problems: patient has a poor appetite. Breathlessness. Chemotherapy. The patient is confused. The patient is depressed. The patient is having radiotherapy. The patient's skin is at risk. Part 4: Psychological, social and spiritual issues. The patient is dying. A further examination of the body has been ordered. Coping with bereavement. Glossary of medical terms. Useful organizations.