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Living in a Shelter

Upon Arrival at a Shelter

If health care professionals are on-site, contact them ASAP . Let them know the following:

You are undergoing cancer treatment & need to be in contact with your doctor, clinic, and/or hospital.
Any medical needs related to your cancer diagnosis and other health problems.

If NO health care professional is available on-site . Check with person(s) in charge such as the shelter Director. Ask to be put in contact with your treating provider, clinic, and/or hospital.
If they are unable to help, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345).
If 800 numbers are not working due to phone problems caused by the disaster, contact 411 for connection to non 800 number.
Use the Internet is available. Send text messages to friends and family outside of the disaster area; they may be able to help you connect with an available cancer treatment center.
Protect yourself from diseases or infection.
Seek medical treatment or consultation with a medical professional on the phone especially if the following is noted:

a fever of 100.5 or higher
a surgical wound that has become red, swollen, tender, or has drainage
a new pain or one that is getting worse

Many shelters have nursing staff that can help. If you require treatment at a medical facility because of complications, make sure you tell them about your cancer and its treatment.

Should you get immunizations or vaccines being offered to displaced citizens?

If in an area where safe water & food may be a problem, or injury is a danger due to rubble & damage, people are asked to take shots for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Tetanus. While these vaccines are safe and may be necessary, make sure the person giving the shots knows you have cancer and, if at all possible, before giving the immunization, contact your oncologist or an oncologist in the area.

It is very important to NOT receive a “live” vaccine unless an oncologist, familiar with your medical history, says it is OK.

Last updated: July 17, 2006

Written by: Kathleen A. Jarvis, RN, MS, Matria Healthcare
Edited by: Rachael Myers Lowe, cancerpage.com

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