Hearing the words “You have cancer” can be really tough. Many people feel scared, confused and unsure of what to do after they find out they have cancer. One of the common questions people ask is “What do I do now that I have cancer?”
If you or someone you care about has just been told they have cancer it is really important to remember that this is the start of the journey, not the end. There are good treatment options available today and getting help from a doctor who knows a lot about cancer can make a big difference.
Understanding what to do after you find out you have cancer can help you feel less anxious and more in control. Whether you have cancer or you are taking care of someone who does knowing what to do can make things a lot easier.
This guide will help you understand the steps to take after you find out you have cancer and it will help people in Delhi, Delhi NCR and all over India make good decisions about their treatment.
Take Your Time to Understand Your Cancer Diagnosis
When you find out you have cancer you might feel overwhelmed. Not remember everything your doctor told you.
Ask your doctor these questions:
- What kind of cancer do I have?
- What stage is my cancer?
- Has the cancer spread to parts of my body?
- What are my treatment options?
- How long will my treatment take?
Understanding your cancer diagnosis is the step to making good decisions about your treatment.
Get a Copy of Your Medical Records
Make sure you keep all your records in a safe place including:
- Biopsy reports
- Blood test reports
- CT scan reports
- PET scan reports
- MRI reports
- Your prescriptions
These records are very important if you want to get an opinion or see another doctor.
See a Medical Oncologist as Soon as You Can
One of the important things to do after you find out you have cancer is to see a doctor who knows a lot about cancer.
A medical oncologist can:
- Explain your cancer diagnosis to you
- Talk to you about your treatment options
- Tell you if you need any tests
- Create a treatment plan that is just for you
Many people in Delhi NCR like to get a second opinion before they start their treatment so they can be sure they are getting the best care.
Understand What Stage Your Cancer Is
Doctors use something called staging to figure out:
- How big the tumor is
- If the cancer has spread to your lymph nodes
- If the cancer has spread to parts of your body
The stage of your cancer helps your doctor decide what treatment you should have. Two people with the kind of cancer might have different treatments because of their stage and overall health.
Think About Getting a Second Opinion
Many people ask “What do I do now that I have cancer?”
Getting an opinion is a good idea. It can:
- Confirm your cancer diagnosis
- Check your treatment plan
- Give you treatment options
- Help you feel more confident about your decisions
Getting an opinion does not usually delay your treatment and it can help you and your family feel better.
Learn About Your Cancer Treatment Options
Cancer treatment has come a way in recent years.
Depending on your cancer diagnosis your treatment options might include:
- Chemotherapy: uses medicine to kill cancer cells
- Immunotherapy: helps your bodys immune system fight cancer
- Targeted therapy: targets cancer cells and does not hurt healthy cells
- Radiation therapy: uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
- Surgery: removes the tissue
Your doctor will tell you which treatment is best for you.
Write Down Questions to Ask Your Doctor
When you are first told you have cancer you might leave your doctors office with a lot of questions.
Some good questions to ask your doctor include:
- What kind of cancer do I have?
- What stage is my cancer?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- What are the side effects of the treatment?
- How long will my treatment take?
- Can I still work?
- What should I eat?
- Should I get an opinion?
Writing down your questions before you see your doctor can help you have a productive conversation.
Take Care of Your Body
After you find out you have cancer it is really important to take care of your health.
You should:
- Eat food
- Drink plenty of water
- Get sleep
- Do some exercise if you can
- Do not smoke
- Do not drink too much alcohol
When your body is healthy it can handle treatment better.
Take Care of Your Emotional Health
Finding out you have cancer can be really tough on your emotions.
You might feel:
- Scared
- Anxious
- Stressed
- Sad
- You might have trouble sleeping
Talking to your family a counselor or a support group can help you cope with your emotions.
Remember that taking care of your health is a big part of your cancer care.
Build a Support System
You do not have to go through this
You can get support from:
- Your family
- Your friends
- Your caregivers
- Support groups
- Your doctors and nurses
Having someone with you when you see your doctor can help you remember things and make you feel better.
Do Not Rely on Information That Is Not True
Many people look for information online after they find out they have cancer. While it is good to learn about your cancer it is not good to believe things that’re not true.
Always talk to your doctor before you make any decisions about your treatment.
Trust your doctors and other healthcare professionals. They are there to help you.
Remember That Everyones Cancer Journey Is Different
No two people have the experience with cancer.
Things like:
- Your age
- Your overall health
- The kind of cancer you have
- The stage of your cancer
- Your genes
- How you respond to treatment
all play a role in what treatment you have. How you do.
Do not compare your journey to someone. It can make you feel stressed for no reason.
When Should You Start Your Cancer Treatment?
Many people worry that they need to start their treatment away.
Sometimes treatment starts quickly. Sometimes your doctor needs to do tests or talk to you some more before you start your treatment.
Your doctor will tell you when it is time to start your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do right after I find out I have cancer?
Stay calm get your records understand your cancer diagnosis and see a doctor who knows a lot about cancer.
2. Should I get an opinion after I find out I have cancer?
Yes. Getting an opinion can help confirm your cancer diagnosis and make you feel more confident about your treatment.
3. How soon should I start my cancer treatment?
It depends on the kind of cancer you have the stage and your overall health. Your doctor will tell you when it is time to start.
4. Can I still work after I find out I have cancer?
Many people can still work while they are getting treatment. It depends on how you’re feeling and what your treatment plan is.
5. What questions should I ask my doctor?
Ask about your cancer diagnosis, the stage, your treatment options and what to expect.
6. Is it normal to feel scared after I find out I have cancer?
Yes. It is normal to feel scared, anxious and stressed. Talking to your doctor your family or a counselor can help.
Consult Dr. Chandragouda Dodagoudar
If you or someone you care about has just been told they have cancer it is really important to get help from a doctor who knows a lot about cancer.
Dr. Chandragouda Dodagoudar has been working with cancer patients for over 25 years. He provides care and treatment to people in Delhi and Delhi NCR.
Why Consult Dr. Chandragouda Dodagoudar?
Seeing a doctor on can help you Understand your Cancer Diagnosis learn about your treatment options and make good decisions about your care.
Get Expert Guidance and Personalized Care
Make an appointment to get help and a treatment plan that is just, for you.
