According to the American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 1.6 million new cancer cases diagnosed in 2017. In Nevada alone, there will be roughly 13,840 new cases this year. A cancer diagnosis may come as a shock to some, but it’s important to know and understand what’s to come and how you can prepare. Cancer patients are encouraged to take control of the situation.
I Was Just Diagnosed with Cancer: Now What?
Gather a strong support system
The first steps after cancer diagnosis can take many forms. However, one of the most important things you can do after your diagnosis is to create a strong support system. It is important to surround yourself with people you can trust to confide in like a close friend or loved one.
When you’re newly diagnosed with cancer, you may experience various emotions, and it is helpful to have someone on your side to help you through it and stay strong.
Find a doctor you can trust
Another one of the first steps after cancer diagnosis is to find a medical professional to help you through your cancer journey and help you create an individualized treatment plan. When you start treatment right away, you will have a better chance of success. If you wait too long, the cancer can spread to other areas of the body.
Our specialists at Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (CCCN) are experienced, board-certified, and dedicated to providing the best care possible to all patients. At CCCN, you can guarantee you’ll get the expert care in a supportive and caring environment.
Gather materials for your first appointment
After a cancer diagnosis, you’ll want to get organized. Consider compiling a journal or calendar to keep track of all your appointments and any educational materials you collect.
When you come in for your first appointment, you’ll need the following materials:
- Full medical history
- Up to date medications
- Insurance and ID cards
- Information from your referring physician
- Medical records, including any test results and reports, like diagnostic films, X-Rays, CT scan, etc.
Get educated and find support
In addition to growing your support group and getting a doctor you can trust, you should also get educated about your type of cancer. Our online education resources and our various support groups are helpful when it comes to offering useful information to new cancer patients.
When you come in for your first appointment, you will have the chance to talk to your doctor and ask as many questions as you would like. During this appointment, bring a family member or close friend with you to offer support, and plan to be here for about an hour.
You will have an initial meeting and evaluation with your doctor. He or she may recommend additional tests to determine an accurate cancer diagnosis, which will help guide your treatment plan. You’ll also meet with your nurse and medical team.
If you’re undergoing chemotherapy, you’ll have access to our Chemotherapy Classes during which you’ll meet with a nurse or nurse practitioner to better understand the treatment process and how to manage any possible side effects.
We want you to leave the appointment with all your questions answered as well as feel as comfortable and confident as possible with the next steps of your care.
Learn about medical costs
Also during your first appointment, you’ll have access to financial counseling at CCCN. You can meet with our patient benefit representatives to discuss any concerns about your billing and medical costs. He or she will go over your insurance benefits and estimate your possible out of pocket costs. If needed, you may also qualify for assistance programs that may help cover the costs of cancer treatment.
For more information about your cancer journey and cancer treatment plan, visit our frequently asked questions page.
Get Proper Support with CCCN
At Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, our team of experienced medical professionals are here to provide you with the best care possible and help you through your cancer journey. To learn more about our services visit our website. To schedule an appointment, call us at (702) 952-3350.