Mrs. C is a healthy appearing 45-year-old female with a history of stage TIbI cervical cancer diagnosed seven years ago. She is status-post a radical hysterectomy with lymph node dissection. She underwent radiation therapy and received IMRT followed by HDR (High-Dose Rate) intracavity boost radiation to the vagina. During her treatment, she received radiosensitizing Cisplatin.
She has remained free of disease since ending her treatment and has had regular follow-up exams and pap smears, which have all been normal to date. She uses her vaginal dilator without issue three or four times a week for a duration of approximately 20 minutes and has resumed sexual activity without issue. All follow-up imaging has been negative.
The patient is neurologically intact, lungs are clear to auscultation in all fields, heart rate is regular, and her abdomen is soft and non-tender.
Vital signs as follows:
Temperature: 98.7
Pulse: 82
Respirations: 20
Blood Pressure: 110/75
She presents to the gynecology clinic with persistent vaginal discharge with a foul odor. Vaginal exam reveals a shortened vagina with the presence of radiation changes. There is a moderate amount of thick tan discharge in the vaginal vault with a strong odor. The CRNP decides to order a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis and a barium enema.
At ONS Congress 2013, Patrice Dillow, MSN, RN, APRN, and WOCN from the Cancer Treatment Centers of America explains how topical Leptospermum honey reduced pain and promoted healing of chronic, complex wounds.
Ashley Leak, PhD, RN, geriatric oncology nurse, Cancer Care Quality Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the School of Nursing at UNC Chapel Hill, explains the reasons she enjoyed attending the ONS Annual Congress meeting.
The 2013 Nurse Compensation Survey Results Are In Michelle Bragazzi, BS, RN, 5/3/2013 32 In February, TheONC surveyed more than 600 oncology nurses to find out more about their careers. We wanted to know if they felt adequately compensated and satisfied within their ...
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