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Stories of progress, inspiration, and information in overcoming osteosarcoma.

Will Hudson at the beach with his mom and sister. Will is the namesake of The Power of Will, an organization that offers quality of life grants to sarcoma patients.

How Do You Balance Treatment Decisions with Quality of Life?

There are so many things to think about when making decisions about cancer treatment. Learn how quality of life is measured so you can incorporate these considerations into your own care plan.

“Some patients get to second line chemotherapy, and just say, ‘I will not take it anymore. I am not willing to feel sick the way chemotherapy makes me feel sick,’” explains Lee Helman, MD, director of the Osteosarcoma Institute (OSI). “If a teenager and a parent together say they do not want the chemo anymore, you have to respect that.”

How can cancer patients strike a balance between effectively fighting disease and maintaining quality of life? The Frontline spoke with Dr. Helman to explore the various facets of quality of life and cancer treatment.

How Is Quality of Life Measured?

Quality of life is unique to each individual, Dr. Helman explains. Quality of life indicators can include physical well-being, emotional health, spiritual needs, social connections, and personal goals.

To evaluate quality of life, health professionals use standardized questionnaires and assessments. These questionnaires — which are tailored to the patient’s age — consider health-related quality of life aspects such as pain levels, fatigue, and physical functioning, as well as emotional well-being and social support, says Dr. Helman. These assessments provide valuable insights into a patient’s experience and can guide treatment decisions.

“These measurements need to be given in intervals throughout a patient’s treatment journey,” adds Dr. Helman. “This allows their care team to assess how the treatment is affecting the patient’s life on both a physical and emotional level.”

Age Makes a Difference

Quality of life in healthcare differs for everyone, but these differences become more pronounced when comparing adults, children, and young adults with cancer.

Adults often prioritize maintaining independence, managing symptoms, and preserving social connections.

Meanwhile, children require a different approach that considers their developmental needs, school attendance, sports and activities, and family dynamics. Play, education, and maintaining a sense of normalcy are critical components of a child’s quality of life.

On the other hand, adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients are finding their voice when it comes to making treatment decisions and body autonomy. They might be considering things like living independently for the first time, going to college, or starting a family.

Asking the Right Questions

There are many questions to consider when balancing treatment decisions and quality of life. Here are some to ask your providers:

  • How will treatment affect how I feel (physically and emotionally) each day?
  • Will I be able to go to work and/or school?
  • Will my treatment leave me immunocompromised?
  • How long will treatment last?
  • Will I be able to remain active and take part in sports and/or activities?
  • Should I consider palliative care and other supportive therapies?

Another important consideration is the financial burden associated with a cancer diagnosis, says Lori Wiener, PhD, a licensed clinical social worker and senior associate scientist in the Pediatric Oncology Branch of the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Wiener explains that treatment-related costs, nonmedical out-of-pocket expenses, income loss, and travel costs can all contribute emotional distress and decreased quality of life. She encourages patients and families to ask oncology social workers about financial resources so they can access the care they need.

Finding Support

As you advocate for yourself and navigate competing priorities, remember to lean on your support system. Seek emotional and social support from loved ones, join support groups, and consider quality of life services like counseling. “No matter how old a patient is, or how dire their case, I always recommend they seek some form of counseling during and after treatment,” says Dr. Helman. Dr. Wiener recommends financial assessments and counseling throughout the treatment trajectory.

“Healthcare providers need to actively listen, respect the patient’s goals, and incorporate them into treatment planning.” — Lee Helman, MD

For sarcoma patients, one resource to consider is The Power of Will, a nonprofit that supports sarcoma patients and their loved ones. In honor of Will Hudson, the organization’s namesake (pictured above with his mom and sister), The Power of Will offers quality of life grants for patients ages 15 to 39. Previous grants have supported the purchase of musical equipment, gardening supplies, school supplies for college, and dinner with friends and family.

Dr. Helman emphasizes that there is no one way to balance treatment decisions and quality of life. What is important is not the specific strategy, but how it affects the patient, says Dr. Helman. “Healthcare providers need to actively listen, respect the patient’s goals, and incorporate them into treatment planning.”

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