“You have cancer.”
No patient is ever prepared to hear these words from their doctor. The diagnosis can lead the patient to feel overwhelmed with anxieties, worries and fear. In years past, these words were the equivalent of a death sentence. However, with numerous advances in detection, drugs and other treatment options, many patients can experience a full life while undergoing therapy for the disease. While modern technology has helped in the treatment of many forms of cancer, the road to recovery is still long, often painful and very expensive. During this process, patients will encounter many serious issues that reach beyond the oncologist’s office and into every facet of their lives.
Knowledge Is Power
One of the best ways the patient can deal with the emotional shock of the initial diagnosis is to ask as many questions as possible. Patients should understand that they are the most important participants in their own recovery process. Doctors should encourage questions from patients and allow them to take an active role during the course of the treatment schedule. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, some of these questions should include:
- What is the exact type and name of the cancer I have?
- How was it diagnosed?
- What tests were taken and what did they show?
- Will I need additional tests?
- What stage is the cancer and what does that mean?
- What are my treatment options?
- What clinical trials are open to me?
- What are the possible side effects of this treatment option, both in the short term and the long term?
- What is my prognosis? What will my quality of life be?
- What are the next steps?
Such a frank exchange of information will help patients take control of their emotions and give them a course of action to follow, rather than allow them to be carried away by feelings of helplessness and despair. Doctors also benefit from these sessions; the more feedback they receive from the patient, the better they can tailor the treatment regimen to that specific patient’s needs.
Some patients may also be well served in obtaining a second opinion on their diagnosis. In many cases, doctors may recommend that patients see other specialists in order to gather more information on the specific form of cancer as well as to learn about the latest data on other treatment options. Patients may also benefit from the perspective of another professional opinion and incorporate that into their approach during the healing process.