WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Osteosarcoma is bone cancer. Osteosarcoma is commonly found inside the long bones of your body, such as your arm and leg bones. It may also grow on the surface of your bones or in your soft tissue, such as muscles.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your primary healthcare provider (PHP) how to take this medicine safely.
- Antinausea medicine may be given to calm your stomach and control vomiting.
- Chemotherapy (chemo) is medicine used to treat cancer. Chemo works by killing cancer cells. Ask your PHP for more information about chemo.
- Radiation is a treatment that uses x-rays or gamma rays to kill cancer cells. You may need this treatment if your tumor cannot be removed through surgery. You may also need radiation along with chemo or surgery to treat your cancer.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your PHP if you think your medicine is not helping or you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Follow up with your PHP or oncologist as directed:
You may need to return for regular visits to monitor your cancer. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Physical or occupational therapy:
A physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain. An occupational therapist teaches you skills to help with your daily activities.
Eat a variety of healthy foods:
Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
Drink liquids as directed:
Ask your PHP how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
Contact your PHP or oncologist if:
- Your pain and swelling get worse.
- You are vomiting and cannot keep food or liquids down.
- You see or feel new lumps under your skin.
- You have a lump that is getting bigger.
- You are weak or confused.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Return to the emergency department if:
- You see blood in your urine.
- You have a seizure.
- You have no feeling in or near the area of your osteosarcoma.
- You are unable to move the limb that has the tumor.
- You have severe pain.
- Your bone breaks.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.