Before treatment: Be an informed consumer. Explore the different treatments that may work for you, and the pros and cons of each. If you are uninsured and don't have health insurance, there are ways to get medical care. If you're going to enter a hospital, learn how to maximize your time there and stay safe.

During treatment:  Learn what side effects are reasonable and which ones should trigger an immediate call to your doctor or other health care provider. If you go through a rough patch, keep the goal in mind. There are generally medical and other steps to take to lessen any difficult side effects.  Watch for depression. Learn how to cope with anxiety and panic attacks. Practice wellness: eat as well as you can, exercise, get rest and generally do what you need to in order to take care of yourself. If you need an adjustment at work, ask for what's referred to as an "accommodation." (You may even be legally entitled to one).

After treatment:  The return to normalcy after treatment takes time. Relief may be mixed with depression. You will likely still need assistance from family and friends. It is advisable to get a Follow-Up plan which includes future symptoms to watch for. Set up a Medical Care plan with your doctor. Start focusing on wellness.

Expect a period of adjustment at work, whether you continued to work during treatment or took a break. Re-entries require adjustment. If you decide to change jobs, you can despite your health history.

If your financial and legal affairs are not in order, this is a good time to bring them into order. Documents in "To Learn More" show you how.

This is also a good time to re-examine what you want to do with your life. For instance, do you want to change your work/personal life balance? Your job? Your career? (You can still make those changes despite your diagnosis).

Please share how this information is useful to you. 0 Comments