Cancer

After the Diagnosis

What if I Receive a Diagnosis of Cancer?
If you do receive a cancer diagnosis, the most important thing to do is to talk to your doctor. Make a list of all the questions you have and take it with you to all your appointments. Some specific questions you may want to ask are:

• What exactly is wrong with me?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Are there other methods of treatment?
• What are the benefits of the various treatment options?
• What are the risks?
• What medications are you prescribing and what are they supposed to do?
• How should I expect to feel during treatment?
• What side effects, if any, can I expect from treatment?
• How long should I expect to remain under treatment?

Some guidelines for maintaining a good doctor-patient partnership are:
Talk about your concerns and observations and do not withhold information, even if it involves a lifestyle behavior your doctor told you to avoid, like smoking. Try to express yourself and your feelings as clearly as possible. Note any physical or emotional changes you may be experiencing and share them with your doctor.

What do I say to someone who has just been diagnosed with cancer?
Anyone who has been affected by cancer knows that it can change the pattern of friendships - some friends react well and provide support, while others are unable to maintain any associations. If you are unsure of what to say, think about your friendship. Are you usually straightforward with the person or are you more of a casual acquaintance? Sometimes telling the person that you aren't sure what to say will allow them to ease the way for you. In all cases, however, be available to listen and take your cue from your friend.