The first few days after a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. At the very moment when you must make key decisions about your treatment and care, your brain may feel overloaded processing the distressing news you've just received.
Mark J. Fesler, M.D., assistant professor of hematology and medical oncology at Saint Louis University Cancer Center and a SLUCare cancer doctor, says that the anxiety that comes with a positive cancer test can and should be managed.
"Cancer is an anxiety provoking diagnosis," said Fesler, who also is director of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital. "I believe you should see your cancer doctor as soon as possible and that visit should begin to reduce your anxiety."
If your emotions are swirling, Fesler offers the following pieces of advice to keep in mind in the days following a diagnosis:
See an oncologist within a week
"I think that cancer physicians need to be sensitive to the anxiety provoking parts of the diagnosis," Fesler said. "The expectation should be that patients are seen within a week of the diagnosis."
"We actually aim to see patients within one to five days."
Develop a game plan with your doctor to answer questions about your diagnosis, eliminate vague fears and ease anxiety by mapping out a course of action.
Reach out
While asking for help isn't always easy, this is a situation in which support can make a big difference. Begin to let people in your life know about your health issue. Very likely, you'll be surprised by the support and assistance people offer.
The moral support, good wishes and advice from people who have had similar experiences can ease your anxiety more than you might guess and tangible help, like meals and rides, can lower the burden of everyday stressors.
"Reach out to friends and family, and draw in as many people as you can to help you with the fight," Fesler said.
Stick with solid information
While it may be tempting to go online to research your diagnosis before your doctor's appointment, Fesler urges caution. For every reliable health website, many more include information that is misleading, incorrect or not rooted in scientific research.
If you do venture onto the internet, stick with credible health sites, like WebMD or an academic medical center's site, like SLUCare or Mayo Clinic. Remember, information about cancer can be nuanced and complicated, and treatments and outcomes can change over the course of a few years. Rather than draw your own conclusions, use these sites to draft a list of questions to bring to your next doctor's appointment.
Bring a team
Fesler advices bringing one to three other people with you to your doctor's visit to help absorb all of the information
"People probably hear only 10 percent of what a doctor is telling them in these first conversations," Fesler said. "By having friends and family members there, you'll be able to confirm what you heard your doctor say with your care team later on."
Get a second opinion
Don't be shy about requesting a second opinion.
"There are lots of exciting developments in cancer medicine and the field is increasingly specialized," Fesler said. "Patients shouldn't feel bashful about requesting a second opinion."
In fact, Fesler suggests that it is good to tell your doctor you'd like to get another opinion upfront. In many cases, your doctor may be able to help facilitate this.
Tell your doctor about your anxiety
"I would say that cancer needs to be approached holistically," Fesler said. "Depression and anxiety are common experiences for cancer patients. I hope patients feel comfortable expressing these feelings so that we can work together to address them."
By addressing your fears, you'll be in a better position to think clearly about treatment options, have more energy to care for yourself and be able to focus on positive steps to support your health.
Talk about clinical trials at the first visit
Clinical trials offer patients opportunities to participate in medical research that contributes to future treatments and which may offer access to new, unproven drugs. There are many factors to consider and your doctor can help explain the risks and potential benefits of participating.
Clinical trials enroll participants for different types and stages of cancer and often may have very specific requirements, such as seeking patients with a particular genetic marker.
"If you would like to consider participating in a clinical trial, it's best to ask your doctor about it early on," Fesler said. He also says that it is the responsibility of the cancer physician to offer clinical trials as an alternative to standard treatment.
Ask about support
In the midst of cancer treatment, it's important to have help with life challenges that can arise.
"Patients should have access to social workers to discuss financial aid, jobs, health insurance and other resources," Fesler said. "Organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offer great support, too."
Continue healthy habits
Not only do exercise and healthy eating support overall health, but they can help you manage anxiety, as well. Unless your doctor has specific concerns, keep up a healthy lifestyle.
"Exercise and healthy food are great ways to actively manage stress," Fesler said. "Patients should continue to do the things that help them to reduce their anxiety, if possible."
Take comfort in working with a team of experts
Finally, while a cancer diagnosis can be a shock that sends you down an unfamiliar path, it is not uncharted territory for your doctor and his or her team. They deal with cancer every day, and their years of specialized training are designed to help people in your exact circumstance.
"Patients should feel a lot more comfortable after their initial consultation. It should diffuse anxiety, it should define a treatment path and it should be reassuring because you are talking with someone who has experience in treating this illness."
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