Self-care Tool Research Articles

Treatment-related side effect management for cancer patients

Marylin Dodd presents a comprehens ive resource for oncology pat ients u n d e r g o i n g active t rea tment with chemothe rapy or radiation therapy. The material is based upon her extensive research in self-care of patients with cancer. The author first introduces the book by present ing its organization then instructs the reader how to use it as a resource. The book is organized into three parts: chemotherapy, radiat ion therapy, and pat ient selfcare tools. Two indexes are provided for quick referencing. One index lists trade, generic, and c h e m i c a l n a m e s of c o m m o n c h e m o therapy agents, whereas the other provides a standard index for the book. The first section entit led C hem ot he rap y b e g i n s with a g e n e r a l i n t r o d u c t i o n t ha t explains the nature of chemotherapy. This section is divided into two chapters. In chapter one, Possible Side Effects, Signs, and Symptoms, the author lists c o m m o n side effects for each chemothe rapy agent and then discusses c o m m o n symptoms those side effects produce. This kind of informat ion is routinely given to patients before they receive their first t reatment , but this book is a particularly useful

Humor: an antidote for stress.

Humor and laughter can be effective self-care tools to cope with stress. An ability to find humor gives us a sense of perspective on our problems. Laughter provides a physical release for accumulated tension. The article reviews research on the effect of humor and laughter on our immune function and resilience to stress. Resources for finding humor are included.