First considerations
- If you have any doubts at all, get a second opinion.
- Listen carefully and do what the doctor says. Bring in a list of all your questions. Take notes.
- Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for treatments that are new to you. Ask your doctor how the drugs you take will work and what side effects you can expect. Make sure you understand what your test results mean.
- You may want to bring a trusted family member or friend to your first appointments. They can help you understand the information shared there.
- Give yourself some downtime to take in the news. Whatever you are feeling is normal. Feelings of denial, fear, anger, guilt, worry, confusion and grief are all normal emotions.
- If you will need to take time off from work, talk to your employer.
- Consider the expenses. Calculate what will be covered by your health plan.
- Surround yourself with the support of loved ones.
- Think about counseling. The skills that therapists can teach to help you cope with the physical and emotional challenges of your illness may help lessen the severity of treatment side effects. It can also help you maintain your resolve to continue your treatment program.
- You may want to find support from others who have the illness. Ask your doctor about support groups.
- Learn all you can about the disorder. You can do this by reading books, going to lectures and talking to your doctor. Learn how to understand the symptoms. Know when you need to seek help.
- Now, more than ever, you need to take care of yourself with enough sleep, healthy food and relaxation.
First considerations
- If you have any doubts at all, get a second opinion.
- Listen carefully and do what the doctor says. Bring in a list of all your questions. Take notes.
- Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for treatments that are new to you. Ask your doctor how the drugs you take will work and what side effects you can expect. Make sure you understand what your test results mean.
- You may want to bring a trusted family member or friend to your first appointments. They can help you understand the information shared there.
- Give yourself some downtime to take in the news. Whatever you are feeling is normal. Feelings of denial, fear, anger, guilt, worry, confusion and grief are all normal emotions.
- If you will need to take time off from work, talk to your employer.
- Consider the expenses. Calculate what will be covered by your health plan.
- Surround yourself with the support of loved ones.
- Think about counseling. The skills that therapists can teach to help you cope with the physical and emotional challenges of your illness may help lessen the severity of treatment side effects. It can also help you maintain your resolve to continue your treatment program.
- You may want to find support from others who have the illness. Ask your doctor about support groups.
- Learn all you can about the disorder. You can do this by reading books, going to lectures and talking to your doctor. Learn how to understand the symptoms. Know when you need to seek help.
- Now, more than ever, you need to take care of yourself with enough sleep, healthy food and relaxation.