A Breast Cancer Patient Heading To The Hospital Alone Was Serenaded By Her Sorority Sisters Before Surgery

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-IwvQPBY9q/

Similarly, 15-year old Massachusetts native Sydney Harding, who had been diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin's lymphoma, headed to the hospital for her final cycle of chemotherapy. According to WHDH, Harding’s parents initially wanted to throw a party for the occasion, but had to cancel due to Covid-19. The neighbors’ solution? The entire community lined the streets holding signs congratulating Harding on her final round of treatment.

Related: New York City Hospital Suspends Visitation For Children With Cancer During Coronavirus

Hospital Regulation Changes During Covid-19

Due to Covid-19, cancer patients are facing new challenges when it comes to support and treatment. Some patients have been forced to delay and reschedule life-saving surgeries, and hospitals have started limiting, and even suspending, hospital visitation.

Growing concerns over coronavirus have made hospitals rethink procedures and guidelines in order to keep patients safe. In New York City, New York-Presbyterian hospital has suspended visitations all together, eliminating face to face support between patients and loved ones.

Related: The Changing Guidelines For Cancer Treatment During Coronavirus

Additionally, The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) released a new set of recommendations for cancer patients amid the coronavirus. According to ASCO, patients should consider switching treatments that would decrease clinic visits as the pandemic continues, such as rescheduling elective surgeries and switching from IV to oral therapies. ASCO also relayed that for patients deep in remission, stopping treatment may be an option as long as it is discussed with an oncologist.

During this uncertain time, cancer patients’ feelings of loneliness and isolation might be heightened, but that’s where community becomes essential. These new guidelines could be a stressful adjustment for many cancer patients, and Dr. Dianne Shumay gave SurvivorNet some helpful tips on how to cope with fear. For patients with increased stress during Covid-19, Dr. Shumay says being seeking social support and asking for help can ease patients’ fear.

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.