ALL CANCER: New Diagnosis

4oregonz

I hope this is appropriate to post! I just shared this on my FB for family and friends. I have now had breast cancer # 36yrs, thyroid cancer at 38 (and met surgery 2x) brain cancer at 44 in 2005 and just had my 2nd craniotomy a few weeks ago....I found this very wise. I am an RN and always advocate for myself...BUT I know many don't. It is very important and there are so many resources for us out there....FOR MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR FUTURE USE (AND HOPEFULLY THERE WILL BE NO USE FOR THIS). IN THE LAST FEW YEARS I HAVE BEEN VOCAL WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS ABOUT GETTING THE PROPER CARE WHEN DIAGNOSED WITH ANY CANCER. THIS IS FROM THE NATIONAL CANCER SOCIETY...BASICALLY EVERYTHING I HAVE 'PREACHED'...COPY THIS OFF AND TAKE IT TO YOUR VISIT WITH A PENCIL AND WRITE ALL THE INFORMATION DOWN...THEN USE THIS THING CALLED THE INTERNET TO RESEARCH YOUR TUMOR TYPE AND WHERE IN THE USA CAN YOU GET THE BEST OF THE BEST TREATMENT AND WHERE ARE THE CLINICAL TRIALS BEING DONE.....I PROMISE  YOU WILL APPRECIATE THE KNOWLEDGE IN THE END. TREAT YOURSELF AS YOU WOULD A LOVED ONE AND CARE FOR YOURSELF AS YOU WOULD YOUR OWN CHILD:

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE TREATMENT
The following questions provide a starting point for what you may want to ask your healthcare professional.
What is the name and grade of my tumor? Is it a primary or metastatic tumor?
Is my tumor benign or malignant?
What are my treatment options?
What are the possible side effects of each treatment option?
Which treatment would you choose if you had my tumor?
If I am more interested in quality of life rather than how long I live, which treatment would you recommend?
Are there any clinical trials for which I am eligible and, if so, what questions are those clinical trials asking?
Who would you recommend that I see for a second opinion?
What factors do you take into consideration to predict how I am going to do?
How can I reach you or someone else in your office if I have questions after today?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pecs

I like to avoid any reference

I like to avoid any reference to what stage my cancer is, especially when it is in a new place.  It always spreads, that's all I need to know.  The rest of these questions are ones I always ask also.  Thanks for sharing and good luck.