Diagnosed with cancer? The next steps

After you are diagnosed with cancer, it can be overwhelming. Coping with the initial shock of getting a cancer diagnosis and the first cancer treatment is hard for any patient.

patient hearing they are diagnosed with cancer by a doctor “A lot of new information is given initially, along with the use of many unfamiliar terms,” said Rebecca Rodebaugh, Marshfield Clinic Health System breast cancer navigator. “Often patients are trying to absorb a lot of important information while trying to cope with the reality of having a cancer diagnosis. This can be overwhelming.”

It’s recommended that patients write down and ask questions when seeing their doctors after being diagnosed with cancer. They can also reach out to the cancer care team members for help.

“Cancer information can be complicated. If you do not remember details or understand everything at first, that’s OK. It will become more familiar and start to make sense as you hear it explained by different members of your care team,” said Rodebaugh. “Give yourself time to absorb it all before you make any decisions regarding your care.”

She also recommends asking for clarification at your appointment if you do not understand something. It can also be helpful to ask your doctor to summarize your next steps before you leave your appointment. For extra reinforcement, you can go to the portal for your health care organization to review your doctor’s note from your last visit. You are also encouraged to call your navigator to review the plan if you still have questions.

“Uncertainty at the beginning can be very scary because you do not know what to expect or how you will do,” said Rodebaugh. “But, there is a cancer care team here to help you every step of the way.”

Your comprehensive cancer care team

Your comprehensive cancer care team brings together experts for every step of your cancer journey. They’ll provide personalized care right for you.

A cancer care team can include:

Oncologists who use research-based guidelines to recommend a safe and effective treatment plan, so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Certified medical assistants (CMAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (R.N.s), nurse practitioners (N.P.s) and physician assistants (P.A.s) who may assist the oncologist before, during or after your appointments.
R.N.s who administer cancer medications and give instructions regarding side effect management.
Appointment coordinators and chemotherapy schedulers who schedule and communicate next appointments.
Triage R.N.s who are available to answer questions and concerns after you leave the clinic.
R.N. patient navigators who are available to help you understand your diagnosis and to assist you in successfully navigating through the complexities of your cancer journey.
Oncology social worker who assists with social and emotional needs to help you cope with your diagnosis and treatment.
Patient assistance counselors (PACs) who are available to answer questions and help problem solve if financial concerns arise.
Support staff to assist with other needs, as indicated.

Waiting over tests and treatments

After being diagnosed with cancer, you may undergo tests and treatments that help determine the details of your cancer so the best treatment plan can be made. This time of uncertainty often causes anxiety.

It may take time before your first cancer treatment starts. Your doctors need to determine what type of cancer you have and how best to treat it. Additional biopsies, imaging, lab tests, and genetic tests are some of the things you may need to complete to get all the information necessary before treatment begins.

“It can be difficult to wait for answers when you are anxious to rid yourself of the cancer, but making sure the doctor has complete information before treatment begins ensures that you have the safest and most effective plan,” said Rodebaugh.

You cancer treatment plan

After the workup is complete and the results are in place, your doctor can recommend a treatment plan which may begin soon after.

“Fear of side effects is another factor that can cause stress and anxiety. Sometimes patients lose sleep at this time,” said Rodebaugh.

She recommends having discussions with your navigator or care team about what to expect before your first treatment.

“Having a good understanding of your side effects and how to manage them effectively tends to reduce stress. After a patient completes their first treatment and knows what to expect from the week following, they report feeling better prepared for the remainder of the treatments. This reduces anxiety and helps them feel more in control,” she said.

Being well informed may reduce anxiety. A reliable and up-to-date patient resource is readily available online. Maintaining open communication with your oncologist and care team is also helpful. Keeping them informed on how you are feeling assists the team in giving you a better experience.

Coping mechanisms

Asking questions often leads to better understanding, which lessens anxiety and assists with coping. Seeking out ways to cope with your new cancer diagnosis and treatment is advised.

“Many patients rely on family and friends during this time. It can be helpful for patients to think of specific things that friends and family can do for them, such as making a meal or stopping by to visit or cleaning their house. Loved ones want to help, and don’t always know what they can do. Accepting help can decrease burdens that you may have outside of your treatment, and it makes your loved ones feel like they are a part of your care. It can be a win-win situation,” said Rodebaugh.

Other ways to cope include seeking out community support from your church, from counseling services or from support groups. Your care team wants to include your loved ones in your care and are happy to refer you to community resources, too.

For questions about cancer care, talk to a Marshfield Clinic Health System provider.

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