A flood of thoughts and questions can flood the mind about cancer. To help make it easier for patients and their families, we are covering the top 7 questions often asked when confronted with a cancer diagnosis.
1. What type of cancer do I have and how far advanced is it?
A key factor that helps determine the possible treatment alternatives depends on the type of cancer and what stage it is in. A commonly used system of classification is the TNM system (Tumor, Node, Metastasis). The classification is a result of how much the cancer is grown or prevalent throughout the body. T(Tumor) relates to the size and extent of the main tumor. N (Node) indicates whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. M (Metastasis) is a result when the cancer has spread from the original cancer site to other organ systems of the body. Based on the type of cancer and stage, care providers typically prescribe certain treatment protocols.
Once the classification is determined, the cancer is assigned a stage from 0 to IV. State 0 means the cancer is isolated to the place of origin and has not spread to nearby tissue. This stage is sometimes referred to as “pre-cancer”. Stage I is early-stage cancer which is confined to the original location but it hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes or other areas. Stage II means the cancer has become larger than Stage I and grown outside of the capsule and deeper into nearby tissue. In Stage III, the cancer has spread to nearby tissues and the lymph nodes but hasn’t reached distant organs. Stage IV or metastatic cancer means the cancer has spread to different organ systems of the body. This stage is the most difficult to treat.
From Dayspring Cancer Clinic, which focuses holistically on the individual, we identify the cancer on a deeper level because no two individuals are the same on a genetic level which influences cancer. Getting a more molecular view of the cancer uncovers more precise data that can better fine-tune any treatment.
2. What treatment options do I have?
Conventional treatment options like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery are often prescribed, especially since many traditional insurances cover them. Other leading-edge treatments, such as immunotherapies, clinical trials, and alternative therapies provide more possibilities. These therapies may not be fully covered by insurance. However, surprisingly, cash-based prices can be much less than deductibles and premiums from traditional insurance. Taking a look at the total delivered cost for both insured and uninsured treatments can open up more possibilities for treatments that can best fit a patient’s needs.
3. What are the side effects of various treatments?
It’s wise to understand the possible side effects of your cancer treatment plan. The Hippocratic Oath states, “First, Do No Harm”, should be the ideal. Unfortunately, many conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery commonly produce many unintended short-term and even long-term consequences. There is a long list of side effects that can include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, risk of infection, pain, mouth sores, weight loss, neuropathy, loss of appetite, skin irritation, blood clots, and loss of function of affected body parts. More holistic and naturopathic alternatives have fewer side effects so be sure to explore these too.
4. What are the goals of treatment?
Everyone wants to be cured of cancer. However, other possible outcomes can be controlling or limiting further growth, relieving symptoms, or maintaining or even improving quality of life. It’s vital to have an open line of communication with your care provider so you have a clear end goal in mind.
5. How will my everyday life be affected by treatment?
Cancer usually brings an abrupt change to people’s lives. Cancer affects the ability to work, perform daily tasks, spend time with loved ones, travel, or even just to physically go to an event. Be sure to understand how conventional versus alternative treatments affect work, play, and your overall quality of life.
6. What are the chances of metastasis or recurrence after treatment?
Sometimes, treatment can increase the likelihood for cancer to return and sometimes to another location in the body. Understanding the chances of cancer spreading or returning based on the treatment should guide your decision, as well as the need for follow-up care and monitoring.
7. What resources or support groups are there for my type of cancer?
A useful but sometimes overlooked component in the fight against cancer is how secondary resources help. For example, cancer often brings an emotional toll as patients worry and can be physically affected by treatment. Services such as support groups, counseling, nutritional advice, and financial consultation can go a long way to alleviate the emotional burden. Moreover, support that extends beyond the patient to family caregivers is also a nice option.
No Dumb Questions!
At Dayspring Cancer Clinic, we enjoy sharing our expertise so patients and their families can receive the best treatment plan. We have years of experience educating and helping patients work through the many challenges that arise from cancer with a wide range of solutions that are tailored to each patient. Call us to learn more or schedule a consultation by calling 480-699-7400 or going to https://www.dayspringcancerclinic.com/contact.