Three of the most devastating words that anyone will ever hear are “You have cancer.” Those three words have the power to transform a person’s entire outlook on life. Almost every person alive has been affected by the disease–be it directly or indirectly–and is aware of its destructive nature. No matter the case, one question remains the same, “What do I do now?”
There is no easy answer to that question, but it’s far from a hopeless one. Cancer research has made dramatic advances in the last few years, and progress shows no signs of stopping. If you or a loved one is battling cancer, then your focus needs to be on getting the best treatment possible. Continue reading for tips on how to go about doing that.
Find The Right Doctors And Hospitals
Cancer is not a static illness for which there is a standard treatment that suits every case. Cancer can attack anywhere in the body and affect it in numerous ways, making each case unique. In order to fight your best fight, you need to find the right cancer treatment center for your specific type of cancer.
The first person you should ask for help or advice is your primary care physician. Even if your doctor can’t tell you what type of cancer you have or give a real prognosis, he or she can put you on the right path. Your doctor will know what specialists and treatment centers in the area can treat your illness.
As you follow your doctor’s leads and do your own research, you’ll find that some centers treat several types of cancer. There are comprehensive cancer centers such as Dr. Eric Karp’s center for cancer treatment in Rahway, NJ–Rahway Regional Cancer Center. They specialize in the treatment of seven different cancers, including prostate, lung, and breast cancer.
Don’t Hesitate To Get A Second Opinion
Once you’ve done some research and found doctors that treat the type of cancer you have, it’s time for more research. You want to get a second opinion on everything you’ve been told before making your decisions final.
Use databases like Go Look Up to get a complete picture of the oncologists who will be treating you. Ask around to see if anyone you know has experience with any of the doctors on your team. There’s no such thing as being too thorough before putting your life in someone else’s hands.
You also need to get a second opinion on your diagnosis. Even if you feel like you’ve found a great doctor, you should still see one or two more specialists. Different doctors have different ways of seeing and treating illnesses. The only way to be sure that you’re getting the best possible treatment is to get the perspectives of several oncologists.
Choosing the best fit for you also means letting other doctors take a look at you and tell you what they see. Once you’ve done your due diligence, you’re a step closer to being ready for the fight.
Remember That Support Is As Important As Treatment
Having a strong support system around you while you fight your illness is a crucial part of your recovery. Because cancer care is so taxing on the body and mind, some doctors say the most important step after diagnosis is finding a partner.
As you deal with your illness, you’ll need someone that you can be honest and open with about it. You’ll want a friend or family member who’s willing to accompany you to appointments for moral support.
Your support group is a fundamental element of your wellness plan. They’ll be the shoulders you lean and cry on. They’ll be the helpers who take care of chores around the house so you can get your much-needed rest. They’ll be the people who give you love when you need it the most.
The burden is too much to bear alone, and loved ones will want to be right there on the frontline with you. You’ll be surprised how much love and help of those closest to you will mean on your road to recovery.