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3 Things To Do When First Diagnosed With Cancer Your Oncologist Won’t Tell You

You’ve Been Diagnosed with Cancer, Now What?

Cancer patients describe feeling like they’ve been “hit by a sledgehammer” after hearing these three words: ‘you have cancer.’  Most patients describe going into a “mental shut-down” or “brain fog,” unable to process anything after that. As cancer patient advocates, we say it’s “ok” to shut-down when you receive a cancer diagnosis. It’s a normal response. Plus, it’s not the time to take notes or try to understand every word being told to you.

However, your very next few steps are important for your health outcomes and survival. Below is a list of 3 things your oncologist may not tell you to do when you first get a cancer diagnosis.

Top 3 Things to Do Immediately After a Diagnosis

1) Get a copy of your medical record: Do not leave the office without a copy of your medical record! It will save you a huge headache in the future.  Should you decide to get a 2nd opinion, you need your medical record. Should you meet with a licensed dietician, they will ask you questions about your diagnosis which is in your medical record.  Long story short, it is your health bible.  So ensure you get a copy before you leave the doctor’s office.

Of course, your oncologist won’t tell you this because they assume you’ll be their patient forever-and-a-day and there will be no need for you to have a copy of this. We say it’s always best to get a second opinion (see below), therefore, ensure your copy contains the following:

a) the official cancer diagnosis, which includes the type of cancer you have

b) the location of the cancer

c) the size of the tumor(s)

d) the pathology report

e) any information on the cancer subtypes (e.g. non-small cell lung cancer, or triple negative breast cancer)

2) Plan a 2nd visit and bring a ‘ride-or-die’ friend/family member/advocate. When you schedule a return visit, ensure a friend, family member or advocate comes with you. They will be your 2nd pair of ears to write notes and possibly record the doctor’s conversation (with their permission of course). Should you (the patient) decide to take notes, you both can compare them later and listen to the recording and add to them.

3) Get a 2nd opinion. Cancer sucks.  However, it sucks even more should you be diagnosed with the wrong cancer and start treatments. As the saying goes, “ish-happens.” Medical errors are more common than you think. So get a 2nd opinion from a reputable doctor.  In this case, a google search of local doctors in the area is a good start. Ensure they are skilled at treating the type of cancer you’ve been diagnosed with.

Hey, there are plenty of cancer suvivors out there, so do you have any other suggestions for newly diagnosed cancer patients? If so, comment below!

To your best health,

Dr. Dee Grace

Scientist and Cancer Health Educator

Conquer Cancer. Thrive. Prevent. Bedside Manners provides emotional support and health education to cancer patients that empowers them to survive and thrive!  Get started fighting cancer by downloading our mini-guide: 7 Ways to Conquer and Prevent Cancer. You’ll get 7 natural ways to conquer cancer from how to stop feeding your cancer to anti-cancer herbs like turmeric.  Plus a 3-day meal plan to boot!

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