How to Care for Someone Who's Had Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia is an experimental procedure that may help treat cancer in some patients. Hyperthermia treatment consists of exposing the body to high temperatures in order to considerably slow down the growth of cancerous cells. Normally used in conjunction with another form of therapy like radiation or chemotherapy, hyperthermia has shown promise in treating those with recurring, advanced or metastasized tumors. It's not generally difficult to care for someone who's had hyperthermia therapy, but you'll need to know the side effects of treatment and how to deal with them effectively.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Understand that patients undergoing hyperthermia are required to have the treatment 1 to 2 times per week for 2 to 3 hours at a time. While most patients stay in the hospital for at least 1 day after treatment, some are discharged after a few hours.
2. Learn to recognize the more common side effects of hyperthermia, which include swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and pain at the treatment site. Most over-the-counter remedies work well to combat these side effects, but it's always a good idea to check with the patient's doctor about the appropriateness of these medications.
3. Know the signs of organ damage, which can occur with hyperthermia treatments and requires immediate attention. You may notice such symptoms as heart palpitations, non-specific stomach pains or joint pain.
4. Schedule a visit with the patient's doctor to ask about the possibility of further treatments. Hyperthermia may be used on its own to kill cancerous cells directly, but it's most often used in combination with other forms of therapy, such as radiation or chemotherapy.
5. Read up on hyperthermia to get an idea of what the patient will be going through. The National Cancer Institute Web site has a fact sheet on hyperthermia, explaining exactly what it involves and how it can help treat cancer (see Resources below).
6. Make arrangements to adjust your schedule if necessary. Also make arrangements for outside help you may need, such as childcare.

Tips & Warnings

• Patients undergoing cancer treatment have the right to designate another person to be involved in treatment decisions. If you're responsible for the care of someone who's had hyperthermia, it may be a good idea to find out what forms you need to sign to become that designated individual.
• Ask the cancer patient's doctor about the patient's entire treatment plan. It will be easier for you and the patient to cope if you know what to expect throughout treatment.
• Caring for someone who's had hyperthermia can be stressful and difficult. If you find yourself having a hard time meeting the demands of being a caregiver or becoming resentful toward the patient, speak to your physician. He or she may recommend prescription medications or cancer support groups to help you get through this trying time.

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