Sarcoma: Care Instructions
Overview
Sarcoma is cancer of certain tissues of the body, such as the muscles, connective tissues (like tendons), blood vessels, bones, and fat. Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control. The cells can spread to other areas of the body. Sarcoma is a general name for several rare cancers that occur in these tissues.
Doctors treat this type of cancer with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Other treatments include immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Your doctor will treat you based on how quickly or slowly the type of cancer you have may spread, how far the cancer has spread, and your overall health. One or more treatments may be used.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Take your medicines exactly as directed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- Follow your doctor's instructions to relieve pain. Pain from cancer and surgery can almost always be controlled. Use pain medicine when you first notice pain, before it becomes severe.
- Eat healthy food. When you eat, focus on foods with enough protein and calories, or try liquid meal replacements. This can help you keep up your strength.
- Get some physical activity every day, but do not get too tired. Take part in rehab if it's recommended.
- Get enough sleep, and take time to do things you enjoy. This can help reduce stress.
- Think about joining a support group. Or discuss your concerns with your doctor or a counsellor.
- If you are vomiting or have diarrhea:
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Choose water and other clear liquids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
- When you are able to eat, try clear soups, mild foods, and liquids until all symptoms are gone for 12 to 48 hours. Other good choices include dry toast, crackers, cooked cereal, and gelatin dessert, such as Jell-O.
- If you have not already done so, prepare an advance care plan. An advance care plan provides instructions to your doctor and family members about what kind of care you want if you become unable to speak or express yourself.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have a fever or chills. Or you may be sweating.
- You have abnormal bleeding.
- You have new or worse pain.
- You think you have an infection.
- You have new symptoms, such as a cough, belly pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash.
- You have signs of a blood clot, such as:
- Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness and swelling in your leg or groin.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if you have any symptoms that the cancer has come back or spread. These symptoms include:
- New lumps.
- Bone pain.
- Chest pain.
- Shortness of breath.
- Belly pain.
- Headaches that don't go away.
Current as of: October 25, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
