What do you do after cancer diagnosis?

This paid piece is sponsored by Avera Health.

When cancer enters your life, disruption and fear can take over.

The Avera Cancer Institute team helps patients through this every day. They know the next few days and weeks are hard.

“When you get that news, you have to take time to process what is happening. Give yourself grace,” said Christina Early, manager of the Avera Cancer Institute Navigation Center. “Let your health care team come alongside you for support and to answer questions you may not even realize you have.”

It’s vital to realize you’re not on your own. Your cancer care team will work with you to organize a treatment plan. It will be your plan, designed and developed exactly for you.

“Our role is to be there as your collaborator,” said Jess Moriarty, an oncology nurse practitioner at Avera Cancer Institute in Marshall, Minnesota. “For that teamwork to succeed, we will need your input, cooperation, questions and concerns.”

The sole focus is to achieve the most positive outcome for you, the patient.

What do you do?

Start writing down your questions and concerns. As you meet with your health care team, review those questions with them, and write new questions as needed.

It’s helpful to have a place to record questions by your bed because they undoubtedly can come up at night.

It’s smart to bring a support person with you to appointments. It could be a spouse, other family member or friend.

“You’ll receive lots of information about your diagnosis and treatment, and the other person can help you listen, take notes and ask questions,” Moriarty said. “Never forget your cancer situation is not like any other one, so all your questions, worries or issues all are valid.”

Your questions might include:

• What is my cancer’s stage and size?
• Has it spread to other places in my body?
• Will additional tests be necessary to confirm my diagnosis?
• What treatment options are available?
• How will treatments affect my quality of life?
• How long will the treatments last?
• What type of side effects might I have?
• Are there any diet or drinking restrictions?
• Are there any lifestyle changes I should consider?
• Who do I talk to if I have questions on finances or if I need resources?

What to look for in your team

Your cancer clinician knows to use a comprehensive team approach to get information on the latest services and newest technologies. Your care team may include a medical oncologist, surgeon, radiation oncologist and more.

The Avera Cancer Institute Navigation Center is available by phone, 24/7, for anyone who has questions.

In addition to the navigation center, patients may have access to an in-person navigator, depending on their cancer type and location.

“Our care model is holistic, meaning we look at physical, mental and spiritual aspects, and how we can help you,” Moriarty said. “We can also help with social and economic questions and issues.”

Your team will consider:

• Financial support
• Integrative medicine
• Spiritual care
• Mental health counseling
• Physical activity and rehab
• Diet and nutrition
• Clinical trial

“We want to be your go-to source of information,” Early said. “We are a team, and we want to develop a relationship with you and your loved ones on your journey.”

Get more tips at Avera.org/Balance.