Making a plan for what’s next can help you be confident about your journey with NSCLC. No one can predict the course that cancer will take. That’s why it’s important to learn as much as you can now, so you can be prepared for what may come next in your treatment journey.
Step 1: Learn about the type and stage of your lung cancer
The first thing to do after receiving a diagnosis is find out what kind of lung cancer you have. Your doctor can tell you the type and stage of cancer you have during your initial diagnosis. After that, it’s important to get a full diagnosis, which includes working with different doctors, having different types of tests done, and testing for biomarkers. A full diagnosis can help determine a complete picture of your specific cancer, which allows you and your doctor to choose the right treatment plan for you.
Step 2: Test for biomarkers
Testing for biomarkers can be very helpful in understanding more about the type of cancer treatments that may work for you. Biomarker tests can have an important impact on your treatment decisions. Talk to your doctor about receiving the most complete testing possible. The more information you have about the makeup of your tumor, the better informed you and your doctor will be to make treatment decisions.
Step 3: Follow up after your test
After biomarker testing, it’s important to follow up with your doctor. There are multiple types of biomarkers and the tests for them can take up to 3 weeks from test to getting the results. However, it is important to wait until all of the biomarker results are received to have a complete diagnosis to determine your best treatment options. The results of biomarker testing can help identify treatment options. Write down any questions you may have for your healthcare team regarding testing and your treatment options.
Step 4: Set up treatment goals
Write down any questions, expectations or aspirations to share with your healthcare team. Together, you and your team can set a realistic goal of what you’d like to achieve through treatment. This can help you and your team understand your options and select the appropriate treatment for you.
Step 5: Do your best to stick to your treatment plan
Once you have received all your test results, and you and your doctor have chosen the right treatment for you, make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and ask any questions you may have about side effects and next steps. If you begin to experience any concerning side effects, it’s important to talk to your healthcare team as soon as possible. Listening to your body and being aware of side effects can make you feel more confident about your treatment.
Step 6: Fit your treatment goals into your life goals
A lung cancer diagnosis may affect different aspects of your life. Telling your family and friends about your diagnosis can be difficult, but it may give you a sense of relief to share the news. You should also consider how your finances may be affected and if you’re going to continue to work.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
If you have questions or concerns about your treatment, talk to your doctors, nurses and healthcare team. Partnering closely with your healthcare team can help you understand your treatment plan and feel more comfortable opening up about what’s on your mind. If you need help from friends or family – for instance, if you’d like them to go with you to doctor appointments – let them know. Keeping in mind what’s important to you is a good way to make sure your treatment goals are being met.
Listen to Your Body
It’s also important to pay attention to your body and how you are feeling. Tell your doctor right away about any changes you notice in your health. And be on the lookout for possible symptoms of cancer progression.
The approach you and your doctor have decided on may have to change depending on your cancer and how it is responding to treatment. That’s why it is important to work closely with your doctor to know what your next steps will be if your cancer changes. That way, you will have a plan in place and be ready to make decisions when needed.
