After You Receive a Cancer Diagnosis

Receiving a cancer diagnosis — or learning that a loved one has cancer — can feel overwhelming. Countless decisions about treatment options, financial planning, and lifestyle changes often arise, sometimes for the first time in your life. Your care team is here to help and can connect you with resources for cancer care and the challenges that come with navigating your condition.

First Step: Finding a Doctor

If your cancer was diagnosed by a doctor who is not a cancer specialist, like your primary care provider, your first step is to schedule an appointment with an oncologist. Your current provider may have a recommendation or refer you to a specific oncologist, and it’s important to find the right fit for you. Review physician information online before you come in, and consider:

• How experienced is this doctor in treating your specific cancer type?
• Is this doctor accepting new patients? How quickly can you get an appointment?
• How far is the office from your house? Certain treatments like radiation and chemotherapy require frequent office visits.

When you call to schedule your first visit, you can find out if your insurance is accepted and ask additional questions about your oncologist. Because cancer care is complex, you will be working closely with your oncologist and their team to make decisions about your care plan. Feeling comfortable with your oncologist is key to creating a treatment plan that reflects your needs, values, and goals.

First Visit: How to Prepare

Before your visit, you will be provided with important patient paperwork to be completed online. You should come to your first appointment prepared to discuss your medical history, family history, and current health conditions. We suggest you print a list of all your medications, including how often you take them and the dosage.

At your first visit, your oncologist will explain what type of cancer you have, the stage of cancer, and your test results and diagnosis. They will also request any additional testing needed and then make recommendations for treatment plan options.

During this discussion, you will receive a lot of information in a short amount of time, so write down questions ahead of time and try to bring a loved one or friend to be a second set of ears. As cancer care providers, we want all patients to make informed decisions and be an active participant in choosing the treatment that is right for them and their family. Take time to consider your options and ask your care team to clarify anything you don’t understand.

Possible questions may include:

• Is the goal of treatment to cure the cancer or to control the cancer and prolong life?
• Should I do to help inform my family if they are at increased risk?
• What are the treatment options?  How effective are they?
• Am I eligible for a clinical trial?
• What are possible side effects and risk of treatment?
• How do I get in touch with my care team in case of concerns?
• How long will treatment last?
• How will this affect my day-to-day life and my ability to work?
• Are there other specialists I will need to see?
• Are there changes to exercise and nutrition that can support my treatment and recovery?
• Can your team help me navigate my insurance?
• What is the role of advance care planning?

Cancer care is provided by a diverse team that may include medical assistants, nurses, advanced practice providers, medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pharmacists, social workers, dieticians, physical therapists, genetic counselors, and other specialists. Your oncologist will connect you with the right providers for your treatment and can explain their roles in your care. You can also reach out to your nursing team anytime with questions by phone or through the patient portal or by phone.

First Day: The Rest of Your Life

No matter what type of cancer you have, the day you get your diagnosis is the day survivorship starts. The road ahead may be hard, but you are now a part of a community that understands strength like no other. As always, Texas Oncology stands ready to support you—through education, mental health care, access to financial assistance programs, and more.

In recent decades, cancer treatment has advanced tremendously, making side effects, nausea, and pain more manageable than ever. Today, treatments are less invasive, with faster recovery times and improved quality of life. Finding emotional and social support is easier than ever, with in-person and online support groups available for patients, caregivers, and loved ones alike.

With more than 250 locations across the state, you can receive cancer care from leading experts close to home. Regardless of the path ahead, you will have a team behind you every step, providing answers, guidance, and the resources you need.