Where to Begin: Navigating Your Cancer Journey

If lab results or symptoms suggest you have cancer, your primary care provider will refer you to an oncologist. This medical professional will run a series of tests to offer a definitive diagnosis. Educating yourself on what to expect during this initial step can provide peace of mind.

After receiving an official diagnosis, you may experience a range of emotions – from anger to sadness to shock. To help you process these feelings, our radiation oncologists have compiled tips on managing the anxiety of living with cancer.

Telling friends, family, and co-workers about your diagnosis can be frightening. They may not know what to say. Or, they may get emotional. Though these conversations are inherently challenging, there are some ways to make them easier.

Though it can be heart-wrenching to tell your children or grandchildren about your cancer diagnosis, hiding your illness is not the answer. Rather, you must equip yourself with the tools and knowledge needed to have an open and honest conversation.

One of the worst parts of cancer is the uncertainty. Not knowing what the future holds can cause severe anxiety. To ease some of this stress, our radiation oncologists have outlined the stages that most patients encounter on their cancer journey. 

If you have recently received a cancer diagnosis, there’s a high probability that your oncologist will suggest radiation therapy. If the thought of receiving radiotherapy makes you nervous or scared, take the time to read more about this effective treatment modality.

Radiation therapy is a localized and relatively painless cancer treatment option. However, it can still be unnerving. To help oncology patients feel more comfortable during treatment, our radiation oncologists have created a comprehensive guide to radiation therapy.

A cancer treatment plan is a roadmap to recovery, detailing your specific treatment modalities and treatment schedule. Understanding more about what these plans include and how they are created can ease the stress of receiving treatment.

There’s no replacing the expertise of a cancer care team. However, certain smartphone apps can provide the knowledge, emotional support, and organizational tools needed to successfully navigate your cancer journey.

Cancer has physical and emotional costs. But this disease also has monetary costs. Though these expenses can be overwhelming, there are many ways to afford high-quality cancer care without compromising your family’s financial stability.

No matter the type or stage, cancer is a scary disease. Fortunately, you’re not alone in this journey. There are countless nonprofit organizations, support groups, and other community resources to lean on.

Though it can be difficult for patients to see or feel if radiation therapy is working, radiation oncologists can track progress using certain medical tests. It’s important to learn more about what these tests involve, as well as what will happen if radiotherapy doesn’t work.

Many radiation therapy patients experience no side effects. However, others experience short-term effects like nausea and fatigue as well as long-term effects like infertility and second cancer. Here’s more on how you can manage, or potentially avoid, these symptoms.

We all know the importance of a balanced diet. However, nutrition becomes even more important during radiation treatment. Educate yourself on which foods to eat and which to avoid before beginning treatment.

Cancer can be a demoralizing disease. You may not have the energy to socialize or enjoy your favorite hobbies. Or, you may struggle to balance medical appointments with work meetings. Though some of these frustrations are unavoidable, there are ways to live a happy, fulfilling life with cancer.  

Radiation works by killing cancer cells. Unfortunately, healthy cells are damaged in the process. This can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. However, with some planning, you can boost your immunity and stave off nasty bugs.

Recurrent cancer is cancer that comes back after remission. Knowing that your disease has returned can be devastating, especially since recurrent cancer is often harder to treat than a primary tumor. In this resource, our radiation oncologists discuss what to do when faced with cancer recurrence.

A survivorship care plan details follow-up care such as oncology visits, diagnostic testing, and even lifestyle modifications. Learning more about what these plans include and how they benefit cancer survivors can provide peace of mind in the years to come.  

Entering remission can be both exciting and stressful. You may wonder if there are any habits you can adopt to regain strength, rebuild muscle, and feel better overall. In this blog, our radiation oncologists offer suggestions for maintaining good health after finishing treatment. 

Unfortunately, the life-saving treatments you received during your cancer journey can cause mild-to-severe side effects later down the road. However, knowing what to look for can help you treat – and potentially mitigate – these issues.