Diagnosis

• What's the name of my cancer, it's size and loaction, where it started and if it has spread?
• Is this cancer viewed as slow-growing or aggressive - how much time do I have to make decisions?
• What are my available treatment options?

Write out a list of questions you want to discuss with your provider beforehand and then be sure to record the answers provided so you can refer back to them at a later date. You may also consider bringing a trusted friend or family member with you to help process the information recieved. 

Take the time to get a second opinion. If you feel we're the best fit for your treatment, we'll be here when you're ready. 

Yes, there will be a lot of paperwork. From appointment schedules, medical records and test results to the answers to important questions you discuss with your provider.

You'll be provided a patient folder to help keep track of the information you'll receive. Include copies of insurance cards, a list of medications and doses, vitamins and supplements, medical history and a list of the doctors you've seen. You can also utilize your electronic medical records on MyChart. Talk to any member of our staff to help you get access.

You'll find a list of documents to help keep you organized here.

When discussing treatment options with your doctor, understand that treatment is ever evolving. Treatment options vary for each person and each cancer.

At times, observation may be all that's needed. Other cancers are aggressive and may require an equally agressive treatment plan. It's important to discuss what the goals of your treatment are and any potential side effects with your physician.

The internet can be an invaluable resource for information, but it can also be full of mis-information, juice-cleanse cures and alarming statistics. If research and information helps you navigate your diagnosis, visit sites run by medical institutions, non-profits or educational resources - look for sites with .org, .gov and .edu. 

The financial burden of a major illness can be traumatic to your finances. Talk to our financial counselors to discuss insurance and learn about assistance programs. Even if you're financially stable, you may qualify for certain programs. 

It can be a family member, a friend or a neighbor. Your advocate can accompany you to treatments, lend an ear, ask questions and speak up for you when you're feeling overwhelmed. Your advocate can be your one go-to person, or a team of friends and family who can take turns keeping you company during treatments and appointments. 

A certified care navigator is an integral part of the multidisciplinary team to eliminate barriers to diagnosis and treatment, provide ongoing education and supportive care, and works to connect patients with valuable community resources and social support. Click here for more information.

Support groups can be a lifeline for people coping with illnesses of all kinds and at any stage. Even if you have a strong circle of family and friends you can still feel isolated and as though no one truly understands what you're going through. Support groups allow you to disclose as little or as much as you want with those who understand your feelings and struggles on a personal level. 

Make the relationship with your care team a working partnership. What are your treatment goals? Do you want to see your kids graduate from college? Make sure you can still work throughout your treatment? Hike the Rockies?

Our caregivers want to help you reach your goals and keep your priorities in mind as they design your treatment around you. The best treatment relationship is the one where you participate in your care.

Telling those closest to you can suddenly make it feel real. If possible, try to have the conversation in person or on a video call. If you want others to keep the news confidential, be sure to clearly ask that of them. You may find those closest to you react with fear of losing you and it can be hard to deal with the fears of others while you're still processing your own emotions. 

If you're a parent, it's natural to want to shield your children from bad news. However, telling them early helps establish trust and lets them know it's safe to discuss. Encourage them to ask questions, let them know how they'll be cared for during this process and convey in simple terms what the treatment plan may look like. 

Under the Americans With Disabilities Act, you should be accommodated. People living with cancer often need flexible work hours in order to go to medical appointments. Sometimes, restructuring a job or reducing the number of hours you work may be considered reasonable, especially if you work through treatment or plan to return to the workplace after treatment ends. Even if the environment seems supportive, it might be wise to wait until you have a treatment plan in place so you can provide your employer with concrete details and be prepared to discuss how your treatment may limit your current workload or abilities. Tell HR and your boss first, before your coworkers.

To qualify for ADA protection, you must:

• Meet the ADA definition of a "disabled person"
• Qualify for the job and be able to perform it's esstial functions
• Not pose a risk to your own or other's health and safety
• Not cause "undue hardship" to your employer for any accommodations you might need 

For more information, call 1.800.514.0301 or visit www.ada.gov.

Posting to social media can help you feel brave and in control of your journey. Keep in mind, you may not have control of the information once it's shared publically. If you'd like the information to remain confidential consider creating a private facebook group or email chain to keep your loved ones in the loop.  

Your appetite may change, and it may be harder to get restful sleep. Sticking to your diet, sleep and exercise plans as much as possible can help your day-to-day life feel more normal. 

Now is not the time to beat yourself up about the late nights in college or the times you opted for a burger instead of a salad. Focus on what you can control starting today. Show yourself the same care you would show a good friend. 

Once you let people in on your journey, you may hear a lot of "Let me know if I can do anything." Accept now that you won't have time for everything and practice saying yes.

Decide what's most important to you - making your kids' big game? Baking holiday cookies? - and then allow those around you to help with the tasks that aren't as meaningful like returning library books or taking the trash to the curb. You'd be surprised how helpful it makes those around you feel when they can complete a tangible task for you. 

The treatment process is different for everyone and so is the way your body is going to react to those treatments. Listen to your body, pay attention to side affects and learn when you need to rest.

You may not be able to do everything at the same energy level as you could before, so be good to yourself and gentle with your body during treatment. You may need to say no to a few PTO meetings, scale back on volunteer obligations, or not take on extra projects at work so that you can take time to heal.

You've gotten through a long week full of stressful appointments, big medical terms, lots of apologies, hugs and confusion. Take some time to take a breath, hang out with friends, play a round of golf, or go to a movie and laugh. 

Eventually the casserole deliveries will slow and you'll begin to accept this current process. Remember that you and your doctors have a plan, you have your support team and you have us, your care team, with you every step of the way.