[Nursing situation in outpatient chemotherapy following surgery for gastric cancer]

At this Cancer Center, we have sought to improve gastric cancer patients' QOL and the bed use rate, by conducting chemotherapy following gastric cancer surgery since 1988. Initially, EAP therapy was performed, but numerous cases had to be hospitalized for complications, so outpatient treatment proved difficult. At present, we mainly employ CDDP-5-FU combination therapy or MTX-5-FU as an alternative. Up to 1995, 26 and 88 patients underwent each type (total, 114 cases). It is our policy to brief carefully both patients to receive the chemotherapy on an outpatient basis as well as their families beforehand. The orientation covers the administration methods, possible complications and measures to deal with them, and daily life situations to come. The idea is to encourage their understanding of the importance of self care, and obtain their cooperation in the therapy. We also try to measure for vital signs along with manage transfusions during administration, and endeavor to pinpoint complications in the early stage. We also have a 24-hour phone consultation service available so that both patient and family can continue home treatment without fear. This report concerns the situation with chemotherapy on an outpatient basis at our Center.