Advice For A Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patient

Learning that you have cancer can be incredibly frightening and disorienting. Two new additions to our team — Maria Nieto, MD, a medical oncologist and internal medicine physician, and Gail Probst, RN, a clinical nurse navigator and adviser for cancer care — have some advice for making a diagnosis more psychologically and logistically manageable.

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1. Prepare for your appointments

Write down questions or concerns before seeing your doctor. Ask about different treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy and their side effects, suggests Dr. Nieto. Prognosis and quality-of-life issues are also important.

2. Don't look for answers on the internet

The web can contain incorrect health information. “First speak to your doctor, who knows the most about your particular illness,” says Ms. Probst. Then, only seek out reputable online sources such as cancer.gov and cancer.net.

3. Bring a friend or family member to the doctor

Often patients don’t retain information that their doctors give them “because of the stress associated with a cancer diagnosis,” says Dr. Nieto. A friend or family member can write down information and help you remember what was said.

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4. Work with a nurse navigator

Nurse navigators guide you through the health care system. They schedule appointments and communicate with your many providers, from doctors and nurses to social workers and physical therapists. “I also provide people with cancer education and find patients specific resources in the community including counseling, nutritional support, physical therapy and psychosocial support,” says Ms. Probst.

5. Join a support group

“They can help you face a crisis in a better frame of mind,” says Ms. Probst. You may also want to consider taking medication for anxiety and depression, she says.

More from The Well by Northwell:

• Balancing Cancer And Your Career
• 5 Cancer Prevention Tips
• 5 Advancements In Cancer Treatment

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