¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý

By: Katarina Brkic

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is an emotional experience for patients � the unexpected news they receive creates feelings of isolation and anxiety about this unknown environment. With unprecedented circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic, patients may fall further into depression and frustration, a new situation where no one else understands what they are going through both physically and emotionally.

With a cancer diagnosis, it can upend the planned future for many individuals � further affecting family members, caregivers and physicians.

Dr. Jacinta Meharchand, hematologist and oncologist at Michael ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý (MGH) for 23 years, describes the importance of wellness and the journey patients with cancer endure during their diagnosis amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Cancer wellness means many things to different people�, says Dr. Meharchand. “In our practice in the oncology program at MGH, we view cancer wellness as thinking about the whole person from a patient perspective � its feeling good in the mind, body, spirit and emotions.�

Among the emotional aspect of wellness, Dr. Meharchand highlights the importance of acknowledging the actual cancer side of wellness, involving remission, treatment, side effects and the current state of the cancer.

“With treatments following the diagnosis, it’s important to recognize the aftermath of it � how it affects a patient’s physical, mental and emotional health � it’s pretty much an all-encompassing factor,� Dr. Meharchand continues. “The wellness of our patients is always taken into consideration and it is crucial for our team to support them during their journey.�

Maintaining kindness through wellness

“We all want to feel well in all dimensions of our lives,� Dr. Meharchand highlights. “It’s important to communicate gently with patients during this fragile time what the issue is, but place further emphasis on how there are multiple options for treatment, mental health guidance and cures.�

Kindness is one of the main attributes that contributes to a patient’s wellness, no matter what type of news they are receiving.

“Kindness is so important in a cancer journey � people will always think life or death and place themselves in a vulnerable state of mind,� Dr. Meharchand says. “A kind word goes a long way and it may be that small push of encouragement that helps them go through their journey.�

Struggles with wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more difficult for families to provide support to their loved ones in the hospital and support wellness. Dr. Meharchand recommends patients having a loved one with them during their appointments or at the time of their diagnosis for support.

“I find it’s always helpful if there’s somebody else with them at any stage of their journey. For me, it’s important to find out about their lives, what their support system is like and go through a full assessment of the patient before I begin to speak to them about their diagnosis.�

It is important to appreciate each day as it passes and for family members to place gentle reminders throughout the day of how significant time is with your loved one, regardless of the circumstance

Keeping a journal to document feelings and experiences is one of the great ways to track wellness and stay focused on the present path.

“As a physician, we have to recognize the challenges and difficult encounters patients and family members have with cancer,� Dr. Meharchand reminds us. “We try to make family members understand where the patient is coming from and accept their emotions and feelings as valid and normal.�

Delays in cancer care means increased push for cancer wellness

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it left patients worried for their cancer state. It disrupted the spectrum of cancer care with a delay in treatment and cancelling surgeries.

“COVID-19 has introduced multiple troubling factors into the everyday of a cancer patient’s life,� Dr. Meharchand describes. “Diagnostics have been delayed because of the lockdown and there has been a diversion of resources in dealing with COVID-19.�

Operating time, testing and diagnoses are some of the other factors in play.

“People are getting diagnosed later than usual,� Dr. Meharchand describes. “For people who have already been diagnosed it becomes difficult for them to do virtual visits and to have their surgeries or treatments postponed � new patients are given their diagnosis through the phone, but that posed issues of comfort levels."

Patients with cancer are also at a greater risk if they contract COVID-19.

“Cancer weakens the patient’s immune system and if they require chemotherapy or other forms of treatment, they have no immune system and, as a result, are at a higher risk,� explains Dr. Meharchand.

Patients are given the option to have phone calls with their oncologist at home to support their emotions and wellness if they are afraid of entering the hospital during this time.

“We have lots of great resources and information for our patients to ensure their wellness is made a priority,� Dr. Meharchand explains. “We make ourselves available for phone calls if patients have any concerns about potential cancer in their body and we outline symptoms they should be looking for, including weight loss, feeling a lump in their breast or a change in bowel habits.�

Physicians are one part of the entire time who assist in promoting wellness � social workers, nurses, clerical staff and many other important members play a critical role as a team to support wellness in all patients.

Continuing to promote positivity towards wellness

To maintain a patient’s wellness, Dr. Meharchand always completes a thorough follow up that includes both the cancer and their emotional and physical well-being.

Diagnoses and prognoses tend to leave patients thinking of death and the final stages of their lives. Their feelings of fear and anxiety ultimately result in them feeling defeated.

“During the treatment process after patients receive their diagnosis, they tend to be more down on themselves,� says Dr. Meharchand. “We always emphasize the positives and tell patients to look at where they are and where they come from � it’s important to not focus so much on the future because no one knows what’s going to happen.�

“It’s important to enjoy each and every day when you have your loved one with you, no matter what the circumstances,� Dr. Meharchand insists. “Nobody can take away who you are –what you have or had, your experiences or your memories.�

“I always make sure to follow up with a patient’s diagnosis with a positive note for their wellness,� Dr. Meharchand explains. “I tell them this � ‘If there’s one thing I want you to take in today, this is it � you have to deal with this. You don’t have a choice but there are things we can do and make it better�.�

Time is precious � as cancer continues to be a strenuous challenge, we must continue to push the promotion and maintenance of positivity and wellness among patients and their loved ones. Some cancer battles may not be won, but there is something that can be done to treat some cancers and help patients and their families enhance their emotional state and wellness.

National Cancer Wellness Awareness Day is acknowledged on June 26. Michael ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý would like to express its thanks to all staff members who assist patients with cancer and create compassionate environments for all.