Journal of palliative medicine
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Although breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women in the United States, few studies focus on the supportive care needs of patients living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). ⋯ Patients with MBC, particularly those treated with chemotherapy, may benefit from interventions to address their physical, functional, and breast cancer-related symptoms. Many do not report accurate prognostic understanding, and more frequent prognostic conversations might address this information gap.
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Research suggests that agitation is a common symptom for hospice patients, but while studies have examined the outcomes of music therapy on the agitated behaviors of patients in other settings, none have addressed this symptom in patients with terminal illnesses. ⋯ Results indicate that a single session of music therapy using the entrainment principle may be an effective treatment for hospice patients experiencing agitation.
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With improvements in pediatric care and technology, more young adults (YAs) with life-limiting conditions (LLCs) are surviving into adulthood. However, they have limited expectations to live beyond the first decade of adulthood. This study describes the monumental efforts required for YAs with LLCs to achieve their goals in an abbreviated life. ⋯ This study gave voice to those who were previously unheard and demonstrates the monumental hurdles YAs with LLCs face to achieve their goals. A palliative approach to care can mitigate unnecessary hardships and support their goals.
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The oral food intake of terminally ill cancer patients is known to gradually decrease, but there are few reports about how oral intake changes around the terminal stage. It is important to clarify changes in oral food intake, as such changes affect the support and care of terminally ill cancer patients. ⋯ Many terminally ill cancer patients can take food orally up to a few days prior to their death. Therefore, various specialists should support the oral intake of terminally ill cancer patients until immediately before their death.