Knowledge is power. The first step in making your plan is to ask questions, a lot of them. As you gather information, work with your health care team and loved ones to make a plan. Use ZERO’s resources for Newly Diagnosed men to learn more and become organized on your journey.
You will be asking questions about many things. Get a jump start on your list with this Questions For Your Doctor document.
Questions For Your Doctor: Newly Diagnosed
Use this document to keep track of the basic information about your prostate cancer diagnosis.
Many things may be on your mind after you learn you have prostate cancer. You may also feel anxious or overwhelmed and wonder how you can cope during the days ahead. In addition to dealing with the diagnosis of cancer, you will learn a new language, that of prostate cancer and prostate cancer treatment. It is fine to take a deep breath to make the best decision for you.
Get the Facts About Your Cancer Diagnosis
Try to obtain as much basic, useful information as possible about your diagnosis. Consider bringing a family member or friend with you to your first few appointments. They can take notes and keep the new information organized.
- Learn about the stage, grade, and risk category of your disease
- Ask about genetic testing and biomarker testing that can help predict aggressive or slow-growing prostate cancer
- Find a doctor that makes you feel comfortable, answers your questions, and gives you confidence in treating your prostate cancer
- Consider a second opinion
- Complete additional testing to determine if the cancer has spread and if so, how far
- Find out about available clinical trials
- Learn what side effects can be caused by each treatment offered and consider how they can affect your lifestyle
Be Good to Yourself
- YOU are in control, a cancer diagnosis is only part of what defines you
- Take time to think about what you want from your life
- Connect with friends and family
- Practice healthy eating habits by increasing fruits and vegetables and limit fats and alcohol
- Don’t smoke
- Get active – research has shown that exercise reduces death in male cancer survivors
- Become one of ZERO’s Heroes, tell your personal prostate cancer story so the next man diagnosed with prostate cancer knows he is not alone and there is hope