Resources for Newly Diagnosed Patients

Understanding Your Cancer Diagnosis

After learning about a cancer diagnosis, many patients soon realize that all aspects of their lives can be impacted. Family, work, finances, social outlets, self-image, and sexuality are some of the most essential components of who we are. Cancer affects everything about how we see ourselves today and in the future.

Understanding your cancer diagnosis helps to prepare for today’s treatment and tomorrow’s outcome. Whether your diagnosis is simple or complex, you can be prepared to think about and discuss your diagnosis with your physicians, family, and friends.

Ask questions and take notes during your appointments. Talk with your doctor about goals for your treatment and discuss expectations for treatment results. Learning about your diagnosis will help you make informed decisions about your cancer, your treatment, and your life beyond cancer.

What to Expect After Diagnosis

Preparing to fight cancer naturally raises many questions. Cancer is complicated. Sometimes, just knowing what to expect makes a world of difference. We encourage you to ask as many questions as often as you need.

• You may experience a wide range of emotions. Everyone deals with their diagnosis differently, and there is no “right” way to handle it.
• Don’t be afraid to enlist family members and friends who offer their support and ask for their help.
• Depending on your type of cancer, your first appointment may be with a surgeon, or an oncologist. All of our physicians are experts in treating your cancer, and you are their focus.
• Before you meet with your doctors, you may want to get more information about your specific cancer type or cancer treatment options.
• Our patients take part in some of the most promising national clinical trials for a broad range of cancers. Texas Oncology participates in many national trials. You may be able to receive new therapies before they are widely available.
• We have a wide range of support services to help you and your support network navigate your cancer treatment.

The first step toward recovery is selecting where you will receive treatment. Our treatment facilities are located conveniently in neighborhoods across Texas and our patient service representatives are ready for your call. When you call, you will be asked several questions about your diagnosis to get you scheduled with the right doctor. Our patient service representatives can also answer many of your questions.

Your first appointment may be with a medical oncologist or surgeon, depending on your circumstances. All of our physicians are experts in treating cancer, and you are their focus.

Your First Appointment

We want to make your first visit a smooth, comfortable experience. Several days before your appointment, you’ll receive a packet of information with more details about where we’re located and what you need to bring with you.

We ask that you arrive about 30 minutes early to complete some routine paperwork. If you’d prefer, you can complete most forms in advance and bring them with you.

Plan to spend two to three hours with us at your first appointment. It will be comprehensive and may include:

• A physical exam performed by your physician.
• Additional testing to help us outline your treatment plan.
• Visits with other physicians such as a surgeon or radiation oncologist.
• Meeting with a financial counselor to discuss your insurance coverage benefits.
• Meetings with support services such as a pharmacist or patient navigator.

We’ll allow as much time as you need to answer your questions, explain your cancer type and treatment options, and outline the next steps. Your treatment will likely not begin at your first appointment.

Good communication between you and your medical team is essential. You’re the expert on your body. Make sure you bring up any concerns to your doctor and healthcare team. Your first appointment is also the ideal time to bring the list of questions you created.

We encourage you to bring a family member or friend to your appointment participate in the discussion. They may hear something you missed, think of different questions to ask, or take notes.

When you finish your first appointment, step back and take a deep breath. You’ve taken a significant step and have a plan to move forward.

Understand Your Treatment Options

Treatment options vary by disease type, location, and extent of metastasis. Just as there are many different types of cancer, there are many types of treatments. The most common cancer treatments are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. It is common for patients to receive more than one form of treatment during the course of their illness. It is important to discuss your treatment options in detail with your physician.

Ask questions about how long each treatment takes, how long your treatment regimen will last, and how often you will have to get treatment. Discuss possible side effects that could occur during and after treatments. Other questions to consider:

• How will your doctor determine whether your treatment is working?
• Are you a willing and qualified candidate for participation in a clinical trial?
• What is the expected outcome for the prescribed treatment?