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W211A is such a powerful lecture at #hapc21 by @Dguyer123, Dr. Misra, Dr. Birnbaum, & Dr. Jones! They shined a light on pts suffering from head & neck cancer survivors. They also illustrate why #hapc is essential for these patients. Here are the 
key points... (1/8)
key points... (1/8)
1. Many patients experience dysphagia and eating dysfunction. Common things like going out for a meal, spending holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, and even watching food commercials on TV can significantly impact them.
2. Many of these pts continue to have difficulty talking. Devices have some downfalls, including a robotic quality of voice (electrolarynx) & a frequent need to change the device. Those that don't require a device may have difficulty talking due to a short tongue or fibrosis.
3. Chronic pain in these pts can be a lifelong challenge. Their pain can change over their treatment and months after treatment. Chronic nerve pain is common in these pts. Many patients suffer from substance abuse disorders, where medications may predispose them for relapse.
4. These pts may lose friends and family as they may be uncomfortable with their illness. These pts may not participate in social events, such as going out for dinner, leading to further social isolation. Their sex life can be profoundly impacted as well.
5. These pts experience a profound psychological and spiritual impact from their cancer and its treatment. Some feel guilt for their diagnosis. Some may even regret their decision to seek curative treatment.
It's unfortunate but realistic to counsel these patients that their head and neck cancer, including its treatment, can be a life-altering event. Given the multiple domains that this cancer affects our patients, these pts deserve a multi-disciplinary approach found in #hapc
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and wisdom regarding head and neck cancers. Thank you for sharing your patients' experience and helping us provide better care for these patients. #hapc21
