Content Overview 
- Summary
- Let your emotions settle. A cancer diagnosis is usually not an emergency.
- Contact the doctor who diagnosed you or the doctor's nurse or office manager. Ask for a repeat of the basics, including how long you have to make a decision..
- Take time choosing a cancer doctor - generally a specialist called an Oncologist.
- Focus on getting the medical care you need. A patient navigator can help. Postpone major non-medical decisions until after treatment ends if possible.
- Learn the basics about your cancer.
- Decide whether you or someone else will be the decision maker about your health care. Learn how to maximize time with a doctor.
- Before deciding on a treatment, consider getting a second opinion. Understand the pros and cons of each possibility.
- Think of non-traditional treatments as complementary or in addition to - not instead of what your doctor has to offer.
- Decide who to tell about your condition, when, and how much to tell.
- Think of family and friends as part of your health care team. Ask them for help when you need it. Your health needs should come first, but also consider theirs. If you have underage children, tell them about your diagnosis in an age appropriate manner.
- If you work, whether you are an employee, business owner, or self employed, be cautious telling about your diagnosis right away. There is no legal obligation to tell. Consider taking some time to focus on your condition first.
- Share your emotions. Watch for depression. Consider seeking counseling. Keep busy while waiting for test results. You may also want to consider getting a pet if you don't have one (yes, a pet).
- Start looking at your insurance and financial situation to determine how you will pay for medical care. Even with health insurance, medical care can be costly. Free or low cost care is available if you are uninsured or underinsured.
- Attend to your financial basics. Pay your rent or mortgage and minimums on your credit card. Start keeping track of all medical services you receive and expenses you pay. Don't pay a medical bill just because you receive one.
- Financial assistance may be available if needed.
- Learn to be wise about purchasing, living with, storing and disposing of drugs. Free drugs may be available.
- Drugs and treatments do not work in a vacuum. Start to think of the food you eat, the exercise you get, rest/sleep and even proper care of your mouth as steps you can take to make treatments and drugs most effective.
- Speak with other people who are going through what you are.
- If you have underage children, tell them about your diagnosis in an age appropriate manner. Monitor their behavior. Arrange for their care in case something happens to you.
- Schedule a dental check up.
- If you want to have children, take steps to preserve your ability prior to starting chemotherapy or radiation.
- IF YOUR DIAGNOSIS IS AN ADVANCED STAGE OF CANCER OR AN UNUSUAL OR A RARE CANCER
- ONCE A TREATMENT DECISION IS MADE
Newly Diagnosed With Cancer
Before deciding on a treatment, consider getting a second opinion. Understand the pros and cons of each possibility.
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It never hurts to get a second opinion, particularly if you have a rare condition or an unusual situation. Treatment is not generally one size fits all. Second opinions have become so standard that doctors are not offended when patients ask for second opinions. (If a doctor objects to your getting a second opinion, it is a valid reason to change doctors). Ideally the second opinion will come from a doctor experienced with your condition who is not in any way related to the doctor who gave you the first opinion. If you have difficulty getting the appointment with another doctor, ask your doctor's office to help. If the two opinions differ, don't accept the second opinion just because it is the last one you received. Perhaps the two doctors can come up with a joint recommendation if they talk. Otherwise, continue to get opinions and do research until you are comfortable making a decision. Don't let a search for certainty provide a reason for stalling making a decision. To learn more about second opinions, including how to find a specialist, see the document in "To Learn More." To be an educated consumer, you need to know what treatments are available and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Your doctor will describe the various treatments available and make a recommendation. (If you were diagnosed with an advance stage of cancer, or your situation is unusual, you may want to do additional research. See our information about this situation.) Once you have the information you need, It is then up to you to decide which treatment to take depending on your particular values and goals. It is your body. The final decision is yours. For example, if you are in a critical period at work, you may want a treatment which interferes with your work ability the least. The American Cancer Society describes the various treatments available at: www.cancer.org/doctoot/ETO/ETO_1.asp Treatment decision tools for each type of cancer are available through the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org/doctoot/ETO/ETO_1_1a.asp Survivorship A to Z provides a tool that helps you to compare treatments side by side so that you can evaluate which works best for your lifestyle and values. Please see the link in "To Learn More." If there are no standard treatments available for your situation, consider joining a clinical trial. There may also be protocols to explore in foreign, developed countries. Watch out for fraudulent treatments. (Please see "To Learn More.") NOTE: If you want to share what you learn about your cancer and treatment(s) with family and friends, consider using the American Cancer Society Circle of Sharing
Insurance companies generally pay for second and even third opinions. Check with your insurer before getting the opinion so you will know how much the opinion will cost. If you have to pay, you can negotiate the fee and a payment schedule.)
Informed Consent
. The various types of chemotherapy, with a description of the therapy and side effects, is located at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CDG/cdg_0.asp . Survivorship A to Z provides information about how to deal with each side effect. (Please see our general article about Side Effects and click on the one(s) in which you are interested.)
To Learn More
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