While dealing with a short-term illness with available cures is easy to deal with, if you’re someone who’s been diagnosed with cancer, the acceptance and journey are particularly difficult. Depending on the stage of life you’re in, your reactions and concerns may be purely different. In this article, we will discuss five crucial steps you should take for yourself after getting a cancer diagnosis. These include:
1. Confirming Diagnosis with Second Opinion
Once you have been diagnosed initially, it is wise to seek a second opinion from another health specialist. Getting multiple opinions can help you confirm your diagnosis. You can also determine differences in proposed treatment plans issued by different doctors. By understanding the differences, you can ensure that you choose the right doctor and treatment plan for your disease.
2. Understanding Different Treatment Options
After getting multiple opinions and a confirmed diagnosis, it is essential to understand different available treatment plans. For this, you should first understand the type of cancer you have. Ask your doctor about the kind of cancer you have, the stage, and possible outcomes with different treatments, and raise any concerns you have.
Cancer treatment plans can contain a combination of therapies, including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Each kind of cancer has a different treatment plan. For example, if you are diagnosed with Mesothelioma, you will look at mesothelioma treatment options independently, as they would be different from options being offered for another type or stage of cancer.
While considering different options, it is always advisable to consult your doctor regarding the potential side effects of the treatment you’ll be undertaking. Knowing about these side effects beforehand can help you deal with them better when they arise and handle them more easily.
3. Making Lifestyle Changes and Practicing Self-Care
Cancer takes a toll on your body, and you must adopt a nutritious diet that supports your body through treatment. You should also prioritize your physical health and be active to have good energy levels. However, it is vital to get good rest, especially on treatment days when you might experience high levels of lethargy. Make it a practice to listen to your body and get good rest whenever you need to without feeling guilty about it.
4. Build a Support Team
Beyond the treatment provided by your healthcare team, including your oncologist, radiologist, and surgeon, it is well worth seeking additional support by working with mental health professionals and nutritionists. Mental health professionals will help you through complex negative and overwhelming thoughts you will have all along your journey so you never feel alone.
Apart from your doctors, don’t hesitate to contact loved ones if you require emotional support. If you particularly feel alone, joining a support group for cancer patients may be beneficial. Sitting amongst and talking to people with the same disease as yours may bring you comfort.
5. Organizing Finances and Future Planning
Cancer treatments can be costly. Understanding certain aspects, such as your health insurance coverage, is essential. Additionally, exploring financial assistance options that can help fund your treatment may also ease your mind.
Even though everyone’s future is uncertain, it would be a good idea to prepare wills or power of attorney documents in advance. Having these documents in place would allow you and your family to be at ease. You can then shift your complete focus towards your treatment and recovery.
Endnote
Getting a cancer diagnosis is a challenging experience. It takes anyone time to fully process it and accept that you have to fight this disease. After getting diagnosed, getting a second opinion and understanding all your treatment options is essential. Additionally, you must take care of your body and be kind to yourself. Do not hesitate to contact your doctors or loved ones if you require support. After your diagnosis, take the time to plan your finances to manage your treatment costs to ensure there are no hurdles once your treatment begins.
