The Power Of A Hug In Caring For Head And Neck Cancer Patients

wbcgaruss

The power of a hug cannot be underestimated especially during a time like a cancer diagnosis and treatment. It says more than any words and with words added goes far beyond anything imaginable in strengthening, supporting, and caring.

Many of us on here have had our first cancer long before covid and social distancing and all the madness that went on. During my first cancer in 2012/13 there always seemed to be plenty of hugs to go around from the nurses to fellow patients. We received chemotherapy in a common room with drapes to be pulled if we needed or wanted a little privacy. But unless someone felt really bad that was rare, the drapes stayed open and we all communed with one another and shared our cancer stories and strengthed and supported each other and as a group of people whose treatment times often overlapped. In the hospital, we could walk around the cancer floor and chat with other patients there too. Also, there was no lack of sharing in the radiation waiting area. And many times there were people who had similar schedules or were just getting there or soon going that we ran into. We learned each other's stories and got to know each other. Not the greatest way to meet people but if you both have cancer a great way to support each other and others in the area.

I understand today there is a new infusion area in our cancer center but it in not a common area anymore but separate rooms and you can no longer share stories and support each other while receiving your chemo treatment but that also seems to mirror our society these days. Cancer treatment was really bad during covid, not only were you dealing with a life-changing situation dealing with cancer and treatment but people receiving cancer treatment would not even be able to find the slightest camaraderie in the treatment waiting rooms because they were told to wait in their car and would be called in when it was their time for treatment. Oh well times change and on we go.

Well anyway I came across this posting by a Dr. Itzhak Brook MD in another area and I thought I would share it with the group here, so wishing you all well and hope you enjoy it.

Dr. Itzhak Brook MD…

The power of a hug in caring for head and neck cancer patients can be
immense. Cancer treatments, especially those targeting the head and
neck area, can be physically and emotionally taxing. Patients often
experience pain, discomfort, and emotional distress throughout their
journey.

A hug can offer several benefits:

Emotional Support: Cancer treatment can evoke feelings of fear, anxiety, and depression. A
hug provides emotional reassurance, comfort, and a sense of connection,
reminding patients that they're not alone in their struggle.

Pain Relief: Hugs trigger the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "love
hormone" or "bonding hormone." Oxytocin has analgesic effects, reducing
pain and promoting relaxation, which can be particularly helpful for
patients dealing with physical discomfort.

Stress Reduction: Hugs can lower levels of stress hormones like cortisol, promoting a
sense of calm and well-being. Managing stress is crucial for cancer
patients as it can impact immune function and overall health.

Improved Mood: The physical touch of a hug stimulates the release of dopamine and
serotonin, neurotransmitters associated with happiness and pleasure.
This can uplift the mood of patients, offering a moment of joy amidst
the challenges they face.

Enhanced Social Support: Cancer treatment often leads to social isolation as patients may feel
alienated or misunderstood. A hug signifies empathy and solidarity,
strengthening the patient's support network and fostering a sense of
belonging.

Communication Without Words:
Sometimes, words fail to convey the depth of care and compassion we feel
for someone going through a difficult time. A hug serves as a powerful
non-verbal expression of empathy, love, and support.

It's
important to note that not everyone may feel comfortable with physical
touch, so it's essential to respect individual preferences and
boundaries. However, for those who are receptive, a simple hug can have
profound effects on their well-being and healing journey.

I experienced the “power of a hug” as a patient with throat cancer. Read my article about this in the Los Angeles Times and my interview about it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG6AFlPQtM8

Itzhak Brook MD https://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-my-turn-hugs-20110523-story.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG6AFlPQtM8

My Turn: Touched by another human’s touch

https://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-my-turn-hugs-20110523-story.html

Take Care, God Bless

Russ

goffrey

I think everyone is different. I absolutely hate hugs. When I was going through treatment I didn't want to talk to other people while being infused. I wanted privacy. It all depends on the person.

wbcgaruss

I agree goffrey, everyone is different, it's not for everybody.

But many of us who were accepting of hugs and have received hugs during treatment were blessed with something to carry us through, something special and endearing. Especially when we were entering the "new to us" cancer treatment debacle that was suddenly thrust on us by our life circumstances a hug was just what we needed.

A hug that got us through the unknowns.

A hug that got us through our diagnosis and the doctor pronouncing "I'm sorry, the biopsy's back, you have cancer.

A hug that got us through meeting all our care team and learning the tough treatment regimen we were facing.

A hug when the creation of the mask is suddenly a bit shocking for some of us.

And sometimes a hug when we were getting all the extra amenities that go along with Head & Neck Cancer such as the Picc Line, the Feeding Tube or maybe a Port.

And I remember hugs when I was so beat and dogged by chemotherapy in the hospital, I guess the nurses and others who were in the same boat could see and feel our struggle, and a smile and a hug would take the load off if just for a little while.

And when you get deep into Head & Neck Treatment and the treatments start accumulating and it gets harder every day to get the next treatment as you work towards that ultimate goal of "completing the treatment regimen" and you are thinking to yourself keep going no matter what a Hug is so welcome and gives you that boost you need to keep going.

And when you are having issues with the mask because of face swelling and Parotid issues and you think all is lost and you have to quit there is a radiation tech with a hug and a stern approach saying everything will be OK you can do this and we are close but you just have to stay strong as you can and focused.

Hugs and handshakes, a pat on the back, someone to just hold your hand, the human touch, to know someone's there

and a little reassuring kind words go a long way in life and cancer treatment, and with some prayers thrown in got many of us through the very toughest times of our life.

So yes it's not for everybody but for those that it is it is a ray of sunshine, a sharing of heartfelt sympathy and compassion, and a reassurance of hope, a reassurance that everything's going to be all right, we are going to make it.

Take care All.

God bless