You've just been diagnosed...
The first time I was diagnosed, I had never been through anything like cancer. I listened to what my doctors said and got to my appointments on time. I assumed they had a plan and would just tell me what to do. But over time, I discovered that each step of my treatment plan was based on the results of the previous action. Each person responds differently to treatment so each person's treatment is unique.
Throughout my treatment there were choices I had to weigh in on to determine the next step. My wife who was my caretaker, quickly became a partner in nearly every decision I had to make. Together we would review the doctor's reports and make a list of followup questions to ask during my next appointment. During the first meeting with my oncologist after surgery, the questions we asked him resulted in a change to the post-surgery treatment plan. And after my chemotherapy was complete and I was cancer-free, the questions I asked resulted in him changing his recommendation from quarterly blood tests to quarterly scans.
What I'm pointing to is simple. When you have the right team, you actively participate in partnership with your doctor as they oversee your care. Each patient must be their own advocate and I will support you in getting the answers you need every step of the way. Then once you know the ropes, you can navigate your diagnosis with your own team or continue on with my support. But whatever you do, experience has taught me, never do it alone.
Throughout my treatment there were choices I had to weigh in on to determine the next step. My wife who was my caretaker, quickly became a partner in nearly every decision I had to make. Together we would review the doctor's reports and make a list of followup questions to ask during my next appointment. During the first meeting with my oncologist after surgery, the questions we asked him resulted in a change to the post-surgery treatment plan. And after my chemotherapy was complete and I was cancer-free, the questions I asked resulted in him changing his recommendation from quarterly blood tests to quarterly scans.
What I'm pointing to is simple. When you have the right team, you actively participate in partnership with your doctor as they oversee your care. Each patient must be their own advocate and I will support you in getting the answers you need every step of the way. Then once you know the ropes, you can navigate your diagnosis with your own team or continue on with my support. But whatever you do, experience has taught me, never do it alone.