Acetaminophen
An over the counter medication that reduces pain and fever, but not inflammation.
Analgesic
A medication that reduces pain.
Antidepressant
A prescription medication used to treat patients with depression.
Bone marrow
The inner part of bones which produce blood cells.
Bone marrow transplantation
Medical procedure to replace a patient’s bone marrow. Patient’s
original bone marrow is destroyed using radiation and chemotherapy and replaced
with healthy bone marrow cells.
Chemotherapy
Prescription medications used to kill cancer cells in patients.
Hematologic cancer
Cancer of the blood or blood forming tissues.
Inflammation
Redness and swelling, with or without pain.
Intravenous (I.V.) therapy
The delivery of medications and/or fluids through a needle or small catheter
that is inserted into a vein.
Leukemia
A blood related cancer originating in the bone marrow.
Lymphoma
A cancer of the body’s protective system (immune system) that normally
allows us to fight infection and disease. Lymphoma is sub-classified as Hodgkin’s
and non-Hodgkin’s types.
Microbes
Living organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses that are so tiny they
can be seen only through a microscope.
Mucositis
Inflammation of the lining of the mouth or gastrointestinal tract usually
associated with cancer treatment.
Opioid
Prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. (e.g. codeine,
morphine, hydrocodone)
Oral hygiene
Care and cleaning of the teeth, mouth and gums.
Oral mucositis
Inflammation of the lining of the mouth usually associated with cancer treatment.
It is often characterized by varying degrees of painful ulcerations, redness,
and swelling.
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)
A method of intravenous delivery of opioid analgesics in which the patient
controls the timing of their pain medication based upon their perception of
pain.
Quality of life
Measurable assessment of overall patient well-being.
Radiation therapy
Use of high energy radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.
Side effect
Unwanted effects of medications or other treatments.
Symptom
A change in a person’s normal function, sensation, and/or appearance that
may indicate the occurrence of a disease or medical condition.
