Palliative or supportive care: What's in a name?

As a hospice and palliative care specialist, I see the dedication of our dietitian as she arranges essential supplies and counsels our patients.

Palliative care: The untapped potential in your lung cancer journey

Palliative care is a holistic approach designed to improve the quality of life for patients and families facing life-threatening illnesses like lung cancer. A dedicated team of doctors, nurses, social workers and other specialists collaborates with a patient’s existing health care providers to offer an extra layer of support and specialized care. Palliative care aims to relieve symptoms, side effects and stress for those living with lung cancer.

Sticking together is key for family's cancer journey

The family’s patriarch, Guillermo Durazo, Jr. — Willie to his friends and family — woke up at 4 a.m. with chest pains. The 72-year-old veteran and retired entrepreneur had bouts of diverticulitis; he associated the pain with the condition and went to the emergency room for treatment.

Little did Willie Durazo, Jr. know that his quick action not only saved his life but would take him and his family on an eight-month journey through cancer.

Caring for your furry friends: A pet owners guide during cancer treatment

Embarking on a cancer treatment journey doesn't mean neglecting your furry friends. Learn the essential do's and don'ts to create a supportive environment for your pets. From communicating with your care team to navigating potential health risks, this guide ensures your pets thrive while you focus on your well-being.

Five New Year's resolutions for cancer patients

Embark on a journey of hope and renewal in the new year with our blog on tailored resolutions for cancer survivors and fighters. Prioritize self-care, set realistic nutrition and fitness goals, cultivate a supportive community, embrace mindfulness, and envision a future with optimism. Celebrate every victory with self-compassion.

Navigating the balancing act: Working while battling cancer

Receiving a cancer diagnosis introduces a myriad of challenges, with maintaining work commitments during treatment being a significant concern. However, it's possible to strike a balance between health and professional growth with the right strategies and support - this blog explores how.

The role of palliative care in cancer treatment: Enhancing quality of life for patients

Palliative care plays an important role in cancer treatment. It provides support including management of symptoms, enhanced communication with loved ones and help with decision-making. This blog explores how palliative care can enhance the quality of life through a holistic approach.

Bewitched and Safe: Celebrating Halloween During Cancer Treatment

Halloween, a beloved holiday for countless, provides the perfect opportunity to unleash your creativity, don imaginative costumes, and savor delectable treats. Yet, for cancer patients, this bewitching season can pose unique challenges. The secret to a successful Halloween lies in striking that delicate equilibrium: relishing the festivities while safeguarding your health.

Tonya Randolph's caregiving journey

Senior registered nurse Tonya Randolph, RN, knows firsthand the lifesaving impact UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center can make on a loved one with a cancer diagnosis.

Therapy for cancer patients

Did you know that we offer individual therapy 

What to expect during a chemotherapy session

Whether you're a caregiver or undergoing treatment yourself, here are helpful tips to prepare you for chemotherapy.

Snacks on the go for caregivers

It might be easy to skip meals when caring for someone going through treatment, but it's important to take care of yourself, too.

Feeding tube tips for caregivers

Some caregivers might feel guilty about eating in front of their loved ones who use feeding tubes.

Lowry Mays — cancer philanthropist, survivor, warrior

This tribute celebrates philanthropist Lowry Mays and his family for their role in growing the mission of the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio.

Cancer Warrior: Debra Hedgepeth is fighting cancer every step of the way

Senior Registered Nurse at Mays Cancer Center, Debra Hedgepeth, has devoted her life to help patients fight cancer one by one.

Cancer Warrior: Yvonne Martinez beat breast cancer with self-determination

Amidst the rise of COVID-19 and losing her job, the unthinkable happened: Yvonne Martinez was diagnosed with aggressive triple-negative breast cancer.

Cancer Warrior: Leonel Rodriguez defies odds with clinical trial

After Leonel Rodriguez was diagnosed with an aggressive, incurable form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2019, he was told he only had a few months to live.

Ovarian Cancer: Early detection can help save lives

Ovarian cancer is responsible for more deaths than any other cancers of the female reproductive system and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death.

Coping with the Emotional Challenges of Cancer

Coping with the physical side effects of cancer treatment can be challenging, but the emotional side effects can be just as difficult to manage. 

Spring is a great time to consider growing foods that help reduce cancer risk

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, eating a primarily plant-based diet is linked to a reduction in the risk of several types of cancers.

Welcome our new Registered Dietitians

Dietitians are nutrition experts who help patients manage the side effects of cancer treatment, slow or stop unintended weight loss and feel stronger.

Sign up today for the Living Beyond Cancer A-Z Symposium

‘Living Beyond Cancer A-Z Symposium’ to be held Jan. 8

The “Living Beyond Cancer A-Z: A Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health Antonio MD Anderson Symposium,” featuring a full day of learning, empowerment a

Discoveries deliver lifesaving results

David Williams had endured the surgical removal of a brain tumor as well as six weeks of aggressive traditional radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Life, Laughter, and Dressing Up for Chemo

How living it up keeps Linda Hart-Garrahan moving forward with lymphoma.

Malachi Fisher – Testicular Cancer Survivor

“Pay attention to your body. Don’t put it off. Your body is your best friend, and it’s usually right.”

What the People in This Building Taught Me About Health Care

It’s almost cliché. You hear, “You have cancer,” and you wonder if you’ve been given a death sentence.