Supportive care can comfort patients who are terminally ill.

When the cancer can no longer be treated, supportive care for hypercalcemia may include the following:

• Prevent and manage side effects of therapy, such as getting too much fluid.
• Protect from injury caused by confusion.
• Prevent fractures by being gentle.
• Help with walking and other weight bearing exercises.
• Control pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

Supportive care can also help the family.

Supportive care can also comfort family members who may become upset by the changes hypercalcemia causes in their loved one's thinking and behavior.

Patients and caregivers should learn the signs of hypercalcemia.

Hypercalcemia can affect your quality of life and be life threatening if not treated right away. You and your caregiver should learn the symptoms to look for and report them to your doctor as soon as they occur. Staying active and drinking plenty of fluids will help prevent hypercalcemia. See the Symptoms of Hypercalcemia section for hypercalcemia symptoms.