What To Do When a Loved One Is First Diagnosed With Cancer
Designate someone to research the cancer and recommended treatment.
Why to Designate Someone to Research the Cancer and Recommended Treatment
Research is a big job. As soon as you get the diagnosis and suggested treatment plan, you'll have a lot of questions about all the critical decisions that lie ahead. Designate someone in the family -- preferably someone with computer skills and some scientific or medical knowledge -- or hire someone to be the researcher. Make an ongoing list of questions you need to explore.
Even if you're happy with the medical team and fully trust the treatment plan, it's a good idea to use the websites of major cancer centers and organizations to investigate current treatment protocols and compare them with what the doctor is recommending. If you're unsure about the doctor's plan of action, research is key to finding alternative approaches, including experimental treatments and clinical trials.
