At the first diagnosis of cancer, many people can feel scared, anxious or as though they have no control. Breathe. Give yourself a chance to digest the information. Now try to stay positive. One way to do that and feel empowered again is to really get pro-active about your treatment.

While everyone has different needs, everyone shares the need for information. With the right information, you can make the best decisions for your healing process. The four basic first steps listed below can lead you to make the best choices during the journey of hope and health.

Talking to your doctor
The first thing to do after diagnosis is to really talk with the doctor who diagnosed you. Try preparing for this visit by:

• Writing down any questions or concerns in advance.
• Asking your doctor for a full explanation.
• Bringing a tape recorder or notepad to record the conversation.
• Having a family member or friend go with you.

It's okay to ask your doctor lots of questions - and no question is too silly or stupid. Here are a few to get started:

Testing

• What tests have I already had?
• Do I need more tests to confirm my diagnosis or learn about my cancer?
• How do my cell counts and test results compare to what's "normal"?
• Can I have copies of the test results?

Treatments

• What are the side effects of the treatment?
• What are the newest drug protocols?
• Will I need surgery?
• Can you recommend a surgeon?

Specialists

• What kinds of specialists do I need?
• Can you recommend a specialist that deals with my type of cancer?

Costs

• What kind of costs can I expect to pay?
• Does the hospital have a financial counselor?

Choosing the best healthcare team
After talking with your doctor, you can then start the second phase of planning your treatment - putting together your healthcare team. This team is made up of the doctor who diagnosed you, as well as oncology specialists, cancer care nurses, social workers, psychologists, nutritionists and other health professionals. Each one plays an important role in the healing process.

There is one more person on the healthcare team -- the most important person. That person is you. Because everyone plays a vital role in the healing process, carefully choosing a healthcare team allows you to surround yourself with people that will really care, listen and give you the best possible treatment.

How to choose a team
Start by finding the right cancer doctor, then select the remaining team specialists. This is a very personal process. Each member of the team can offer insight as to what combination of treatment methods will work best given the particulars of your diagnosis.

Think about the criteria that are most important to you. What are your needs? Do you want a nurse with twenty years of experience who has a great sense of humor? Do you want a radiologist who knows the names of all three of your children?

While everyone’s criteria will be different, it may help to consider some of the following qualities when assembling your team:

• Accessibility - Do they have time for you?
• Approach - Do you agree with the plan for your care?
• Chemistry - Do you like them?
• Competence - Do you trust their ability?
• Experience - Do they have at least ten years of cancer experience?
• Innovation - Do they use the latest cancer technology and facilities?
• Reputation - Do people speak well of them?

Even after selecting your team, changes can occur. Nurses can be re-assigned to other wards, physical therapists can take vacation, radiologists can transfer to other hospitals.

The important thing to remember is that there is always a choice. If a fantastic nurse is transferred to another ward and you are unhappy with your newly assigned one, find out how you can stay with the nurse you liked. It may not always be possible, but a little dogged insistence can sometimes yield positive rewards.

Where to find a team
While the obvious place to start looking is with the health professionals listed in your health insurance plan, it doesn't hurt to take a different tack. Try these tips for finding the right team, then check to see what is covered in your policy:

• Contact the nearest comprehensive cancer center.
• Check with local hospitals and treatment centers for a list of specialists.
• Talk to others who've had the same type of cancer.
• Research some online resources.
• Ask your health care provider.

Researching treatments and facilities
Choosing a cancer-care facility is difficult. In the third phase, use the local library or the Internet to research the type of cancer you have to better understand what kind of treatments and facilities are best. wikiCancer is a great source for helping to choose treatment options. Use these resources to research clinical trials at specific treatment facilities.

Once you have narrowed down your choice, go ahead and visit the actual treatment center or hospital to see where chemotherapy or any other procedure takes place. Look at the waiting areas, hospital rooms, support group areas -- heck, even the cafeteria and gift shop. Are they likeable? Talk to the members of your health care team while you are there. Are they personable? Do you feel safe in their hands?

Understanding financial considerations
The financial issues associated with a cancer diagnosis can have a significant impact on a family's finances. In the fourth phase, spend time carefully reading your insurance policy. What does it cover? What doesn't it cover? If you are unsure of something, ask your doctor to talk with your insurance provider about the treatment procedures.

Keep track of your expenses and file claims for all covered costs. Don't be embarassed to ask for help with this task, as it's easy to miss the details while you are distracted and feeling ill. Also, remember to claim all possible healthcare deductions on your tax forms, such as meals and travel expenses to and from doctor visits as well as treatment expenditures.

If you are uninsured, don't worry. Talk to a local support organization to learn more about your options. Certain cancer organizations have special funds to help people in financial need.

See also

• Research treatment options
• Get help deciding which treatment is best
• Read more about financial issues