Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and disorienting. From test results to treatment choices to the questions you forgot to ask at your appointment, there is a lot of information to manage and process. You may be asking yourself: How do I tackle this? Where do I start?
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I’ve been keeping my own file but there isn’t a great deal of information here, but I’ve gained a lot by doing my own searching.
Yes, totally agree with you. I also have a binder with this information. It is my "brain" it has everything in it. Totally recommend a binder of all information and test results, etc. If you think it is important regarding your care, put it in there. I have an insurance section, test results, etc.
It keeps me organized and helps with information when I am at appointments, and it is not available for various providers.
I was very fortunate to get information from my nurse navigator and then from all of my providers as well as the hospital. It is difficult to remember everything at once and so helpful to have all this written information where you can look up the answers to your questions. In addition to the nurse navigator from my hospital, each office had someone in a similar role to help explain things and answer questions.
Keeping a binder with your information is a great idea. My team at the Cancer Center provided me with a binder. It had everything I needed, from a list and photos of all of my providers, including my Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator, to all of my appointments. It had a section explaining the Oncotype test and what the results would mean as far as further treatment. It has sections that explain what to expect from chemo and radiation and one on Hormone Blocker therapy. It was a godsend and really helped to guide me on researching further about some of the information that I needed down the road.
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can indeed be overwhelming. Here are some steps that might help you manage and process the information:
1. Create Space for Breast Cancer
- Organize Information: Store all your printed doctor’s visit summaries, pamphlets, and other resources in one place. This could be a kitchen Show Full Answer