Impact of surgery on head and neck cancer patients and their caregivers.

Little information has been gathered about the experiences of head and neck cancer patients at the time of their initial surgery and about the ramifications of the surgery for patients and their caregivers. The authors discuss the pain experience of patients, the relationship of pain to their fatigue and negative mood, and the concerns of both patients and caregivers. Family caregivers are expected to take responsibility for the patients, and it is important for nurses to recognize the concerns of both patients and caregivers at the time of discharge into the home setting.