If you are a resident of Nova Scotia, are receiving outpatient treatment at the QEII Cancer Care Program and live more than 50 kms one way from the hospital, accommodations will be provided for you and a support person. This pamphlet lists locations that are part of the Accommodations Program. Due to the temporary closure of Holy Redeemer Centre, the Cape Breton Cancer Centre has made arrangements with the Holiday Inn to provide accommodations for patients travelling significant distances to re…
Un bloc nerveux permet d’envoyer un anesthésique local (médicament servant à insensibiliser) au moyen d’une petite aiguille à un endroit près de vos nerfs. Vous trouverez les renseignements suivants dans ce guide : pourquoi et quand utilise-t-on un bloc nerveux, comment fait-on un bloc nerveux, dans quelle mesure fonctionne-t-il et aide-t-il après l’opération, quels sont les effets secondaires, combien de temps faut-il pour le faire, pourquoi le patient demeure éveillé pendant l’opération, quel…
Diabetic retinopathy happens when changes take place in the blood vessels near the retina, causing leaks or bleeding. Diabetic macular edema is a swelling of the macula (very small centre area of your retina, which gives you the central vision needed to do things like reading, watching TV, and seeing faces) that may be caused by diabetes, happen after eye surgery, or happen for no known reason (idiopathic). The pamphlet describes these disorders, their treatment, and how to control them. The Fr…
La rétinopathie diabétique a lieu lorsque des changements se produisent au niveau des vaisseaux sanguins situés près de la rétine et entraînent une fuite ou un saignement. L’œdème maculaire diabétique est un gonflement de la macula (très petite zone centrale de la rétine, qui donne la vision centrale nécessaire pour lire, regarder la télévision et voir les visages) qui peut être causé par le diabète, survenir après une opération aux yeux ou se produire sans raison connue (idiopathique). Le prés…
A nerve block sends local anesthetic (freezing) through a small needle to a spot near your nerves. This pamphlet explains why you may need a nerve block, how a nerve block is done, possible side effects, and benefits. The French version of this pamphlet 2103, "Anesthésie par bloc nerveux pour supprimer la douleur pendant l’opération", is also available.
A pilonidal (‘“pie-low-NIE-dul”) sinus is when a ‘nest’ of hairs grows under the skin, most often above your tailbone. The hair grows inward through the sinuses, or little holes in the skin. Germs can build up near the hairs. This can cause pain, swelling, and pus or discharge. This often leads to an infection called an abscess (pocket of pus). Surgery is needed if you have an abscess or if you have a lot of pain and discharge. Topics include: what is done during surgery, after surgery care suc…
The most common side effect from radiation therapy treatment is a skin reaction. No matter what area of the body is being treated, most patients will have a skin reaction. This pamphlet explains what a skin reaction is, how long you will have a skin reaction, what creams and lotions may help, what to avoid, if it is OK to wash and bathe, and how to use a saline soak and take a sitz bath. Other topics include whether your markings will come off, if you need to wear any special clothing near the …
A tunneled (Hickman™) catheter is a type of catheter (thin, hollow tube) made of silicone. It is an intravenous (I.V.) catheter that is inserted (put in) in a large vein near your heart. "Tunneled" means that part of the catheter is put under the skin on your chest. Topics include: what a tunneled catheter is and why it is used, infections, supplies, checking for blood, positive pressure, changing your dressing, and caring for your tunneled catheter. A list of what to do if certain problems hap…