Starting Chemotherapy
Until very recently, people diagnosed with cancer were nearly as worried about chemotherapy as they were about the disease. The good news is that chemotherapy treatments and supportive care are improving constantly, and chemotherapy now offers a wider, more effective range of drugs than ever before. Newer chemotherapy treatment has provided additional options for patients, including improvements in medications for managing side effects.
Feeling Lost
People feel and respond differently when told that they have cancer. Some people experience several emotions at once, ranging from fear, sadness, or even anger, to motivation and determination. There is, however, one feeling that seems the same for many people who are diagnosed with cancer — loss of control. One way to regain a sense of control in your life is by learning as much as you can about your disease and the available treatment options so that you can talk about them openly with your healthcare team.
[back]
Seeking Support
Becoming a "self-advocate" is one way to approach your diagnosis and treatment. Being self-supportive requires that you understand what is best for you. You may want to consider spending some time figuring out your needs to determine how you would like to approach your treatment. If you haven't done so already, use the My "Talking Points" Tool to help stimulate conversations with your healthcare team about your overall concerns.
- Keep a journal
One way to familiarize yourself with your needs is through self-testing. Your experience with cancer is a very personal journey, and understanding your feelings is very important. Keeping a journal can provide a way for you to document this period in your life, record questions and thoughts, and express concerns about your cancer treatment. Getting familiar with your needs is a good first step in approaching your cancer therapy. - Ask for help
As the primary supporter of your cause, you must determine when and from whom to ask for help. You may request that a friend or family member go with you to your first healthcare team appointments to help take notes, clarify information, and be a source of support. Your care partner does not have to be the same person all of the time, but should be someone who can help you gather and understand the large amount of information you will receive. - Build a support network
Allow yourself to depend on others for a while. By building a network of support, your ability to take control of your life actually will be enhanced. Accept that people really do want to help you and that by accepting their help, you may both benefit. Acknowledging that you need assistance and identifying the specific tasks that need to be accomplished make it easier for others to help you. For example, keep a list of things that you need help with, such as shopping, cooking, laundry, childcare, and transportation. You may want to keep a calendar and encourage others to sign up with specific tasks. - Share your feelings
You may want to consider sharing your diagnosis with others. You may want to consider talking with your employer or anyone else who may be affected directly by your disease or your treatment. You may find that an even stronger support system will be available to you when you begin to communicate with others. - Talk to other patients
You also may consider talking to other cancer patients who have received treatment. Support groups meet regularly and can provide valuable information to you, your family, and others you care about. In the Support section you will find a list of groups that may be a good starting point in your search for support.
[back]
Choosing a Healthcare Team
Finding the best available healthcare is very important. Your primary care doctor will have an ongoing role in your cancer treatment and may refer you to an "oncologist," who is a specialist in cancer care. Your oncologist should be someone who listens carefully to your needs and concerns, relates to you with consideration and respect, and will work with you to select the cancer treatment that is right for you.
Getting a second opinion
Many people choose to seek a second opinion. If you feel that this is an option you would like to take, ask your primary care doctor or oncologist for help in referring you to another specialist. Taking a few days to meet with more than one healthcare professional may be appropriate and is a positive step toward taking control of your cancer therapy. Physicians understand that this is necessary for many newly diagnosed patients and should be supportive of your need to explore this option. After meeting with and talking to different physicians, you should feel free to move forward with the healthcare team who best fits your needs and will work with you to meet your goals.
Your healthcare team may also include:
- Oncology nurse
The person who will give your chemotherapy treatments, help you understand your disease, and assist you in managing the symptoms of your disease and its treatment. - Dietitian
Helps you with your nutritional needs. - Social worker
Helps you with emotional support, financial concerns, and identifying other treatment resources - Oncology pharmacist
Helps explain how you may be affected by the drugs used in your treatment, and will be able to answer your questions in a way that makes sense to you.
[back]
Seeking More Information
A wealth of information is available to you. In addition to the Internet resources found in the Support section, you will find that information is readily available from such places as libraries, bookstores, your healthcare team's office, community centers, and pharmaceutical companies. These materials can be found in various forms, such as pamphlets, booklets, on the Web, books, audiotapes, and videotapes.
Seek information in quantities that you can manage. We all feel overwhelmed when presented with too much information at one time. As you review information and think of questions, write them down and take them to your next appointment. You may want to make a special appointment with your healthcare team just for this. Before your appointment, discuss these questions with your care partner and give him or her a copy to review. You may want to refer to the booklet Talking with Your Treatment Team for help.
[back]
One of the first decisions you may want to make is whether to participate in a clinical trial. It is important to make this decision prior to starting any treatment because you may not qualify for certain clinical trials if you have already received treatment for your cancer. If your doctor does not bring up this subject with you, you may want to ask him or her if participating in a clinical trial is an option for you.
Terms of Use | Privacy Statement | Copyright
