Tips for Navigating Cancer Treatment

Working with your Healthcare and Caregiver/Support Teams

• Get to know all of the members of your health care team. At different points during your treatment, you may see doctors, nurse practitioners (NPs), social workers, navigators, dietitians, financial counselors, oncology nurses, physical/occupational therapists (PT/OT), and pharmacists. Each one plays an important part in helping you find your way from diagnosis through to survivorship.
• Keep a binder with:
  • Your treatment information.
  • Phone numbers and office addresses for your healthcare team.
  • Medication lists. 
  • A list of symptoms, side effects, and questions for your team to bring to your appointments. This will help you remember to talk about these things during your appointment (see OncoPilot for helpful sheets to put in your binder).
• Bring a family member or friend to appointments with you, especially when treatment decisions are being discussed.
• If you can't bring someone to your appointments with you, think about asking your care team if they are comfortable with you using your smartphone to call someone or to record your conversation.
• Use social media or networking websites to make your own website, keep a blog/journal, and share information about your cancer journey with your support network.
• If you are in the hospital, you might get confused and overwhelmed by all the different people coming in and out of your room every day. Ask them to write their names in a "guest book" when they come in.

Making the Most of Trips to the Clinic, Infusion Suite, or Hospital

• Days in the clinic, infusion suite, or hospital can be long. Bring things that make you comfortable and help pass the time (this goes for patients AND caregivers!). You may want to bring:
  • Headphones.
  • Movies.
  • Laptop/tablet.
  • Book or audiobook.
  • Knitting/crocheting supplies.
  • Puzzle books.
  • Board/card games. 
• Don't forget to think about what you are wearing! Dress comfortably. If you have a central line, choose a shirt that can give easy access to it. Bring comfy slippers, a blanket, pillow, and maybe even an eye mask or earplugs if you want to catch a nap in a busy infusion suite.
• You may also want to bring some snacks with you. Talk with a registered dietitian who can help you with easy-to-prepare snack ideas that will help get you through your long treatment days.
• Make sure to drink fluids. Bring a refillable bottle with you and drink water all day. Talk with your care team about other drinks and foods that are safe for you and that help keep you hydrated.
• Fatigue is a common side effect of cancer treatment. Exercise is the best "treatment" for fatigue. Go for a short walk, play a game, or throw the ball to your dog. Even a small amount of activity can improve your fatigue.

Resources for More Information

The American Cancer Society

The ACS supports research, patient services, early detection, treatment, and education. The ACS maintains a national database of patient support services, support groups, and resources. www.cancer.org

Imerman’s Angels

Dedicated to providing personalized connections that enable one-on-one support among cancer fighters, survivors, and caregivers. www.imermanangels.org/

Cancer Hope Network

Provides one-on-one support to people undergoing treatment for cancer and to their families through training individuals who have recovered from cancer and matching them with cancer patients currently undergoing a similar experience. www.cancerhopenetwork.org/

Cancer and Careers

Empowers and educates people with cancer to thrive in their workplace by providing expert advice, interactive tools, and educational events. www.cancerandcareers.org

Joe’s House

Lists various types of lodging throughout the United States that are near hospitals and treatment centers. Details on each lodging facility are available with information on amenities, rates, and reservation methods and requirements. joeshouse.org/

Cancer Support Community

An international non-profit dedicated to providing support, education, and hope to people affected by cancer. www.cancersupportcommunity.org

LIVESTRONG Foundation

Provides practical information about cancer and support through education, referrals, and counseling services. www.livestrong.org/we-can-help/

CancerCare

Provides free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical, and financial challenges of cancer. www.cancercare.org/

National Cancer Institute - Support Services

NCI information specialists are available to help answer your cancer-related questions. www.cancer.gov/aboutnci/cis