Frequently Asked Questions

I have just been diagnosed with cancer. How do I organize all the information I am receiving?

Here are suggestions of books or planners to help you keep all your cancer information organized. These will help to optimize your doctor visits, treatments, care, and your quality of life (reduce the stress of missed appointments or wasted time looking for lab tests, etc.) I wish I had had one of these, however it's never too late to get organized :-) In addition to one's personal use, they would make very useful and thoughtful gifts for anyone newly diagnosed with cancer.

CANCER AND CAREERS WORKBOOK - This 66-page workbook features content from the CancerAndCareers website, including information on getting organized, gathering information, your legal rights, taking time off and returning work, and more. Plus tear-out charts, worksheets and checklists to keep track of health insurance, doctors' contacts and other paperwork. Available free. Ordering info on the following website .

OTHERWISE HEALTHY - A Planner to focus your thoughts on organizing life after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer by Lynda Shrager, MSW, OTR, At the Pond Publishing,Slingerlands, NY 12159 (Phone/Fax 518-475-1792).

The author is a cancer survivor herself, plus the mother of a survivor AND the daughter of a survivor. This planner, with its unique Focus Sheets, is helpful for ALL cancer patients (not just breast cancer). Further information and ordering instructions are available at the author's website. Cost is $29.99 plus s/h.

MEGSWORK - A PATIENT MEDICAL JOURNAL - First created by 17 year old Megan Hayes before she died from Ewing's sarcoma. Now made available for general purchase by her parents Patt and Mary Helen Hayes.

An organizational tool that assists the patient, caregivers and medical staff in all aspects of the patient's medical care (separate journals available for either cancer or other general medical care). The Journal is designed with sections for the important paperwork the patient receives. Each section includes instructions on how to organize paperwork, plus helpful hints and a calendar to record appointments. Further information and an ordering form available at the following website. Cost is $40 plus s/h.

FAQ posted 3/03

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Back to Main QandA Page New Cancer Diagnosis I have just been diagnosed with cancer. What steps do you suggest I take? posted 9/00 I have just discovered a lump in my breast. Do you have any pearls of wisdom to help me during this difficult time? posted 8/02 I have read everything in your book and on your web page. I want to do everything you suggest, but I am so overwhelmed. How do I start on this cancer recovery journey? I have just been diagnosed with cancer. How do I organize all the information I am receiving? posted 3/03 What treatments should I choose? posted 3/03

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These questions and answers are intended to be of a general informative nature. Please consult with the Registered Dietitian in your cancer center or your health care provider for nutritional advice that can be individualized to your specific medical condition.