NEWLY DIAGNOSED: Prepare a treatment folder

The cancer diagnosis is always devastating, enough to cause a bit of shell-shock. Unfortunately, the patient is often asked to make tough decisions on a dime and to go along with doctor's instructions, amounting to a dizzying number of appointments, treatments and paperwork.

This contributes to the horrible feeling of being out of control. In an effort to regain some of that control, it's a good idea to begin a cancer folder or binder wherein you keep everything associated with your treatment. It might include:

- An opening page with physician/clinic contact information, your diagnosis (including staging) and initial doctor recommendations.
- A calendar to keep track of appointments, procedures etc.
- A list of the medications you're given, including when to take them and how often.
- An outline of your chemotherapy or radiotherapy regimen.
- Notes taken during doctor consultations.
- Copies of the results of every lab test and procedure administered.
- A section consisting of a few blank pages on which you keep a running list of questions to ask your doctor, along with space underneath to write each answer.
- A list of resources; web sites, support groups, individual phone numbers etc that you collect along the way.
- Copies of all the relevant paperwork from your health insurance company.

This list is just for starters. If it is overwhelming, you might suggest a friend or family member help you out in making this folder. Staying on top of your treatment is a positive step towards taking control of your health and treatment, and towards being your own advocate.