Head and neck cancer + two case studies. Presented by Belinda Reeves, Senior Dietitian, NZ
Belinda starts off by imagining some of the realities of people who have been treated for head and neck cancer. It’s a confronting reality.
“Imagine feeling you needed to eat in a separate room from your family because meals took so long, you drool and you had to use your fingers to clear your mouth.
Imagine having to repeat yourself every time you speak because people cannot understand you.
Imagine never being able to enjoy a shared lunch or Christmas dinner with your work mates or family.
Imagine being too afraid to kiss your loved ones because you no longer have correct control over your tongue”.
Belinda explains the anatomy of the head and neck, which is extremely useful in understanding the extent and wide-ranging side effects of the different treatments.
The two case studies illustrate her clinical decision-making processes.
These involve detailed nutritional assessment, treatment plans, nutritional goals, patient education and the involvement of the multidisciplinary team.
Belinda Reeves is a Senior Dietitian at Mercy Ascot Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand. She works with patients having treatment for head and neck cancer including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. She has worked both in the public and private healthcare settings in NZ and the UK. She feels passionate about ensuring patients are well supported through their treatment by working closely with the wider team. Belinda is currently the convenor for the Dietitians New Zealand oncology special interest group.
To register for the presentation and associated documents including the assessment quiz click here