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Most people when they first hear the word cancer, only hear one 1 word, and
they actually tend to shut down and may not hear much more after that.
I think it takes a while for people to process the information, the diagnosis.
It takes a while for a compassionate physician to convey effectively the diagnosis.
It takes a while for things to sink in.
And after they do, then people have a lot of questions, of course.
Most people when they first hear the diagnosis are quite appropriately fearful, concerned,
very upset, and require information in order to help them process the information.
They need to take the time to discuss with their physician and with those that work with
the physician to help them understand the specifics of the diagnosis, what it means
for their treatment, the potential outcome, how it’s going to affect their daily lives,
and how can they plan to have the best possible outcome.
What I’ve learned as a patient advocate, and I think that is helpful to people today
in this society, when they hear they have cancer, there’s a wave of emotions.
You know, everything from shock to fear, uncertainty, doubt, and you want to immediately go to a
computer.
You know, you may have a very good relationship with a primary care physician, your general
practitioner and of course that relationship will hopefully help guide you.
But, to jump on a computer immediately without speaking to a specialist I think can be a
disadvantage in many situations because you’re so immobilized with fear.
The challenge is always to find a physician or physicians who are most expert in the specific
diagnosis that’s been given to the patient.
Sometimes local medical societies or other cancer organizations, there are cancer organizations
in many regions who can assist people to help find and locate expert physicians.
When I’m asked, I always tell people that I think it’s a good idea to at least check
with the cancer centers in their area to find out who are the most expert people at their
center, or in the region where they work, so that they can identify those people that
they feel confident would give the best possible care to them.
It is important however for people, particularly if they’re in a situation where they have
the opportunity to seek second opinions, to get additional advice from other expert physicians.
I always tell people go get a second opinion.
There are so many different types of cancers, and genetics also play into that as well.
Information is power.
But, try to find a doctor, a specialist that you’re comfortable with and go from there.
Support beyond the treatment for cancer should include a variety of support systems.
The best cancer care includes support beyond someone just administering a drug, or radiotherapy,
or doing an operation.
There has to be a program where people have access to other people who are undergoing
care, support groups.
Often excellent programs have social workers, psychologists, other people who are involved
in facilitating the care of patients through the challenging times of diagnosis, treatment,
and follow-up.
It’s very, very important to have the kinds of psychological, nutritional, emotional support
that one needs to get through this kind of terrible life-threatening process.
Most cancer centers, most major medical centers have also access to support groups.
Many of them have identified programs where individuals with a particular diagnosis and
their families can seek help, can work with that group, can talk with one another, and
through the social services available in that institutions get additional support.
I tell people to keep a balance.
You know, find people in your community.
Find local organizations as well as national organizations that can give you information
on what your diagnosis is, but be mindful of the personal communication and how important
that is through your journey.
ASCO’s Cancer.Net is probably the foremost source for online information about cancer.
It’s an incredibly well-researched, well-written, series of programs and information for patients
and their families.
I highly recommend that to anyone who’s facing the diagnosis of cancer.
Not only is there a lot of very specific, well-written, well-organized, and up-to-date
information, but it’s written in a way I think that’s compassionate, caring, and
connects very well with all people.
Cancer.Net really is a great resource for people who are trying to connect with other
people who are maybe going through what they’re experiencing.
It’s in a very real kind of conversational setup.
It’s got a lot of good information regarding, you know, what your current diagnosis may
be.
It’s got blogs, other data that’s just - to me, it’s impactful in the sense that
it’s information, but it’s got a human touch to it.
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