Six Things To Do After My Cancer Diagnosis.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be very overwhelming.
So, here are six things that will help you navigate your cancer experience and hopefully remove some of the stress and anxiety that you have been invited to.
Get the facts about your cancer.
Ask what your diagnosis is, the type of cancer, how advanced or stage is it, what is the location and the size. Don’t try to process and remember all this in your mind. Take a journal, some form of note taking apparatus, and write it down! You will not remember all the important details. When possible, have someone go with you to your appointments to write it down for you. This will help you educate yourself so that you can make the best possible decisions for your treatment.
Explore your treatment options.
Based on my diagnosis, what are my options? What are the side effects I can expect from each type of treatment? Are there clinical trials that I would be eligible for? A clinical trial does not mean you are a guinea pig. Clinical trials are essentially taking traditional treatment and adding to it in a proven safe way that has been effective.
Seek a multidisciplinary team.
The may include a surgeon, medical oncologist, surgical oncologist, radiation oncologist, dietitian, certified oncology massage therapist, certified manual lymphatic drainage massage therapist, chiropractor, occupational therapist, or physical therapist. There may be others you add to your care team depending on your goals for treatment.
Define your deal breakers.
Cancer treatment and side effects have a big impact on your life. Identify your non-negotiable items before your treatment. For example, a truck driver and an opera singer who both have throat cancer will have different goals with their treatment. A truck driver will have surgery, receive treatment and get back in the truck and drive. An opera singer will be a little gentler in her treatment and recovery so that she will be able to sing again.
Share your goals with your doctor.
Talk with your doctor about anything specific that you already have planned. Things like a child’s graduation, birth of your first grandchild, a family wedding, a trip to Europe. What is meaningful and valuable to you is important and needs to be discussed with your doctor. Unless you have an aggressive form of cancer and they are sending you directly to the hospital, take some time and make a plan. You should be just as involved with the plan and your care team.
Set up your support system.
Once you have a care team in place, you will need a support system. People who will checkin with you on a regular basis, help with housework, childcare, someone to drive you to appointments and treatment, someone to share updates with loved ones. You need to concentrate on your treatment and healing. You will need a support team to help you navigate all the things, don’t try to be the hero here. You need to concentrate on being in the best possible place to receive your treatment so that your mind, body, and spirit can heal.
My hope, my purpose in providing this information, is to help you get into a place where you feel like you have some control when your world feels so out of control. Be your own advocate so that your care team and support team will be able to help you navigate this season for the best possible outcome.
Your Breast Friend,
Edie