An aneurysm happens when a blood vessel gets bigger than normal. When an aneurysm happens in the main artery of the abdomen, it is called an abdominal aneurysm. This pamphlet explains why an aneurysm happens, who is at risk, how it is diagnosed, why it is life-threatening, and how it is treated. The French version of this pamphlet 2079, "Anévrisme de l’aorte abdominale", is also available.
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…
L’analgésie épidurale est une façon de vous administrer un médicament antidouleur après une opération. Elle peut vous procurer un meilleur soulagement que d'autres moyens de recevoir des médicaments antidouleur. Vous pouvez être plus alerte avec une analgésie épidurale qu'avec d'autres méthodes de maîtrise de la douleur. Elle peut également vous aider à recommencer à bouger après votre opération. La brochure traite des effets secondaires possibles d'une analgésie épidurale, de la douleur à laqu…
Un anévrisme est un vaisseau sanguin dans une artère qui est plus gros que la normale. Quand il se trouve dans l’artère principale de l’abdomen, on parle d’anévrisme de l’aorte abdominale. Cette brochure explique pourquoi un anévrisme se forme, qui sont les personnes à risque, ce qu’il peut entraîner et la façon dont il est diagnostiqué et traité. ; This is a French translation of the English pamphlet 0591, “Abdominal Aneurysm”. An aneurysm is a blood vessel in an artery that is bigger than nor…
Cancer can be a difficult and stressful illness. Many people experience distress during their cancer experience. This is because cancer affects more than just your body – it can affect many parts of your life such as your emotions and feelings, your work, your finances, and your relationships with family and friends. This pamphlet explains what the "Patients Come First: Your Symptoms and Concerns Matter" questionnaire is, what to expect when you complete the questionnaire, and the benefits of c…
Combination therapy is when more than one cancer treatment is used. This pamphlet lists the different types of treatments and introduces why each one may be used with direction to more information. It lists suggested questions to ask your health care team.
Computed Tomography (CT) scans are images made by a computer and X-ray machine. CT scans give more detailed pictures of bones and soft tissue organs than regular X-rays. These images will help your doctor recommend the best treatment for you. Topics include: how you get ready for the scan, what happens during the scan, questions about breastfeeding after the scan, side effects, how long it will take, when to expect results, and where to send your feedback. A list of hospital contact info is pro…
If someone you know is confused or more confused than usual, they may be experiencing delirium or another illness, like dementia. This pamphlet lists the symptoms of delirium and explains what you can do to support someone with delirium.
High blood pressure in pregnancy (also called gestational hypertension) is a blood pressure (BP) that stays higher than 140/90 (140 over 90). For most people, a normal blood pressure is 140/90 or less. After week 20 of your pregnancy, high blood pressure can be linked to pre-eclampsia. This is a more serious condition that includes high blood pressure and protein in the urine (pee). Because pre-eclampsia can be dangerous to you and your baby, we ask you to monitor your blood pressure and sympto…
Staff in the Home Dialysis Unit at the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (QEII) teach patients how to do dialysis treatments at home. This pamphlet gives information about where to stay if you live more than 40 km (25 miles) from Halifax, the dialysis training process, supplies, and follow-up. Different types of dialysis are explained.
Your doctor has arranged for you to have laparoscopic bowel surgery. During surgery, a part of your bowel will be removed using a laparoscope. Laparoscopic surgery has fewer complications than open bowel surgery. An overview of what will happen before and after surgery is provided. Topics include: nutrition, controlling discomfort, and care of your incision. Instructions for follow-up care are given. A list of symptoms that require you to call your surgeon's office or your primary health care p…
Cancer affects more than your body. It impacts many areas of your life. Many people with cancer find that talking with a Psychosocial Oncology health care professional can be helpful. Psychosocial Oncology health care professionals provide psychotherapy, counselling, and other supports for individuals dealing with cancer. You can access services on your own, or with members of your family or other support persons. Services may be offered in person, on the phone or by virtual care. This pamphlet…
Systemic therapy includes chemotherapy drugs, hormones, and biological therapies. This type of cancer treatment treats the whole body rather than one part of it. This pamphlet details how systemic therapy works, how it is given, how long the treatment can last, and the side effects.
This pamphlet lists medications you should not take if you get very sick with diarrhea (loose, watery poop), or you are vomiting (throwing up). These medications keep your blood pressure down, and protect your kidneys and heart. They can also harm you if you do not have enough fluids in your body. Diarrhea and vomiting can make you dehydrated (not have enough fluids in your body). Information about what to do if you have not taken your medication(s) for more than 1 day (24 hours) and/or cannot …
Les tomodensitogrammes sont des images prises par un ordinateur et un appareil à rayons X. Ils permettent d’obtenir des images plus détaillées des os et des organes de tissus mous que les radiographies ordinaires. Ces images aideront votre médecin à vous recommander le meilleur traitement. Les sujets abordés dans la présente publication sont les suivants : la préparation au tomodensitogramme, la procédure, l’allaitement après le tomodensitogramme, les effets secondaires, la durée de la procédur…