FAQs From ACS: Coping With Cancer in the Aftermath of a Hurricane

Filed in archive Cancer , Cases on September 12, 2008

© GISuser.com

First of all I would like to offer prayers for all the families in Texas (i've got friends and their families there as well) as Hurricane Ike batters the Lone Star State's coastlines.

In lieu of hurricane and its aftermath, the American Cancer Society has FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for cancer patients and their caregivers.

Some highlights from the said FAQs:

Q. What do I need to do first?

A: If you are in a temporary Shelter and there are health care professionals on site, make sure you see them as soon as possible and let them know that you are undergoing treatment for cancer and need to be put in contact with a doctor or hospital as soon as possible. If you will need transportation to the doctor or hospital, be sure to notify them of this as well.

If there are no health care professionals at the shelter or your temporary housing, ask the shelter director, landlord, or person you are staying with to help put you in touch with a local hospital or call the American Cancer Society and we will assist you. Our number is 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345). If 1-800 numbers are not working where you are due to phone problems caused by the storm, look up the American Cancer Society number in the telephone book.

Q. What do I need to do if I have an emergency?

A: Seek treatment at the nearest emergency room, especially if you have:

• a fever of 100.5 or higher


• a surgical wound that has become red, swollen, tender, or has drainage


• a new pain or one that is getting worse

Many shelters have nursing staff who can help get you to an emergency room. Once you are at the emergency room, make sure you tell them about your cancer and if you do not have a new doctor yet, ask them for help locating one.

Read more from the American Cancer Society.

[hat tip to Paul McGee!]