Checklist

When I was first diagnosed, I didn't know what to do first (or what to do at all!). Here is a little list that I hope can be of help:

1) Let the news sink in. Take a couple of days to let your mind and body absorb the news (this is not meant to sound new age-y, but rather helpful in terms of getting thoughts together and emotions out). When you feel ready, share the news with the people you want to share with.

2) Consider getting in touch with a therapist/mentor. Make an appointment. Thanks to my weekly meeting with my mentor, I got to release, share, cry, shout, laugh, question, find comfort and peace of heart and mind (even if for only that hour). 

3) Start looking into finding a team: an oncologist/hematologist and make appointments! Visit at least 2 different doctors so that you can see who you feel the most comfortable with. If you really do not know where to start, ask recommendations from any of your other doctors (even your dentist!). If you live in the Los Angeles area, I highly recommend Tower Hematology & Oncology. They are an exceptional team of doctors who treat you with the utmost care. If you still are not sure where to start looking for an oncologist, check in with the nearest hospital. And lastly, the web is a wonderful resource. 

4) After finding an oncologist, you are going to need to get some testing done so that you can be staged. Remember, take it one day at a time. The CAT/PET scan is not painful or invasive at all. I try to treat it as a spa-like experience, then reward myself with a big meal afterwards. Testing might also include a bone marrow biopsy (yes, this is painful and invasive but you'll get through it), an echograph of your heart (not invasive nor painful) and a pulmonary function test (not painful; think scuba diving and blowing out candles for an extended amount of time). Insist on getting a copy of all of these results for your own files, along with copies of any blood work drawn. 

5) If your oncologist recommends radiation as part of treatment, set up an appointment with the radiation oncologist. It's another team member that you should be familiar with and comfortable with!

6) Go out and buy a couple of folders: I recommend at least 2 folders, one for copies of test results and any pertinent information regarding treatment, and the other folder for bills and health insurance information and receipts. I also recommend buying a journal to jot down any questions that come up, dates, important numbers, and maybe just a daily entry on how you're doing (I use mine to sketch sometimes).

7) Call your health insurance to see what is covered and to discuss any questions that you might have. 

8) If you can take time off of work, do it. Allow time for yourself to heal and be present with all that is happening. It's a lot to deal with. Period. Check to see if you qualify for disability (human resources at your oncologists office can assist with this). 

9) Don't waste any time wondering "Why me?" No one does anything to deserve this, it's not karma, it's not about luck. It just is. All you can do is move forward and take things day by day, moment by moment. It's time to simply roll with it.