Each case is specific. Your treatment will not necessarily be the same as that of someone you know. So it’s completely understandable that you have a little trouble navigating through it and understanding everything the doctor or surgeon is saying. If you ever feel that you need to be explained to you again how the treatment will be carried out, what side effects it may cause, do not hesitate to ask the medical team for details. By the way, before you go to the hospital, you can prepare a list of questions on a sheet of paper.
The choice of treatment and its different sequences (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, etc.) is carried out by a multidisciplinary team made up of a surgeon, an oncologist (we also say “oncologist”) and a radiotherapist. The latter will take several elements into account before moving towards a particular therapeutic program: the type of cancer and its progress, the location of the tumor, the existence of therapeutic trials from which the patient could benefit, etc. The patient is also involved in this decision.
You will approach the treatment phase with more serenity if you manage to evacuate your stress and your fears. Talking about it with your loved ones, other patients, possibly a psychologist, can reassure you. This may be the time to make contact with associations where patients or former patients meet. They will be able to give you good advice on how to react in the event of tired, if you are losing your hair or if you feel nauseous.
You hope to take good care of your family like today and you want to try to continue working. It’s courageous of you, and it can help you hold out on a moral level. But still say to yourself that the organization of daily life may be a little upset. You will surely have to delegate a little more to your spouse or partner. At work, you may not be as available as you would normally be. Depending on what the doctor has told you about upcoming treatments, you may want to prioritize with your boss and revise your schedule somewhat. Maybe also the way of getting around, the transportations are tiring.
For children and the home, you’ve probably already thought about asking your mom or a friend to help you. This is a good thing, and it will make the visit … Finally, be aware that there may be unforeseen events, that eventually you may want or need to stop. Your organization will then have to be reviewed. You will see this as you go …
If it is not already done, it would be good to choose an attending physician. Let him know what’s happening to you. Thus, you will be able to contact him more easily if you have any small concerns during your treatments. Especially if the cancer center where you are receiving treatment is a bit far from you.
