Let’s begin this journey where it normally starts – the first visit you make to your doctor’s office. 

 

There are times when the first doctor to tell someone they might have cancer is not the oncologist. To truly understand your diagnosis you need to see an oncologist because the oncologist is a specialist in the field of cancer. There are many wonderful doctors who are quite knowledgeable about a wide range of medical issues. However, no one is going to be as knowledgeable about your diagnosis and as up to date about the treatment options that are available to you as an oncologist.

 

Sometimes you can be told by a doctor, one who may not be an oncologist, that you need to have surgery. If it is at all possible, before you make the decision to have surgery, go to an oncologist to make sure that it is the best first step to take. There are medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, in fact there are oncologists who specialize in specific areas such urology, gastroenterology, gynecology, neurology, etc. and these oncologists are the ones who can provide you with the various options available to you. There may be times when surgery is the best choice. However, there are other times when chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be used. Sometimes these other treatments are used before someone has surgery, sometimes after surgery and other times they are used instead of surgery. Getting all the information and facts from the appropriate sources will help you to make a well-informed decision about your treatment. There is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion – this is your life – and your peace of mind is of primary importance in your healing process.

 

The first step is to begin putting together your “team,” and finding the right doctor is very important. This is the person in whom you are placing your trust. You want someone who LISTENS TO YOU, who ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS, who HEARS WHAT YOU ARE SAYING. Someone who takes the time to explain what is happening and with whom you feel some kind of connection. Your doctor is NOT someone you should fear, or feel in awe of, you need to feel comfortable in talking and being able to communicate all of your needs and concerns – this is important to the success of your treatment and healing - for your physical well being and also for your emotional well being. 

 

Other people who are part of your team are the various medical personnel who are involved in your care and treatment. These include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, certified nursing assistants, lab technicians, radiation technicians, and other medical and administrative staff. Get to know who they are and always remember to ASK QUESTIONS if you are unclear or uncertain about anything that is happening to you. It often helps to write your questions down so you have them to refer to when you see the doctor or go for any medical treatment or tests. If you are challenged by other medical issues – for example, if you are a cancer patient, but are also dealing with diabetes, a heart/cardiac problem, pulmonary (breathing/lung) problem, etc. – you need to inform all your doctors about the different physicians who are treating you and the type of treatment they are giving you. You should make a list of all medications that you are taking so that all your doctors have this information available in your file. Additionally, you should always have a list of your medications with you – especially if you are traveling – as you never know when you may need to advise someone about the kind of medicines you are taking.