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Questions and answers

What to do now

After a diagnosis everything lands at once. You do not have to sort everything out today; a few important steps are enough.

Last updated: ~1 min read
The first step
Figure 1.The first step — What to do now

01Short answer

The most important things today: know your team’s emergency number and what to do if you get a fever. Write down the full name of the diagnosis. Gather your documents into one folder. Note the date of the next appointment and your questions. Tell one person close to you and ask for help. Read reliable sources, but do not try to learn everything at once. Food, sleep and breathing: looking after yourself is part of treatment too.

02Simple explanation

One step is enough for today.

The emergency number and the fever rule come first.

03Scientific explanation

In the first days after diagnosis, too much information makes remembering and deciding harder; written notes and a companion help.

Reliable sources are official and scientific bodies such as NCI, NHS, ESMO and MedlinePlus.

04What happens in the body?

Today

Save the emergency number in your phone. Keep a thermometer handy. Write down the diagnosis and the time of the next visit.

This week

A document folder, a list of medicines and allergies, and practical matters about work and family. Decide who will help with what.

A ready table: folder, phone, thermometer
Figure 2.A ready table: folder, phone, thermometer

For yourself

Make room for your feelings. Talk, write, breathe. Ask for psychological support if you need it.

Dawn at the window: breathe
Figure 3.Dawn at the window: breathe

05Now: four steps

Small but important.

Breathe — A minute of calm.1BreatheA minute of calm.
Know the numbers — Emergency contact is ready.2Know the numbersEmergency contact is ready.
Gather documents — One folder.3Gather documentsOne folder.
Take one step — Prepare for the next visit.4Take one stepPrepare for the next visit.
OrderLess chaos.
SafetyAn emergency plan is ready.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
TodaySave the emergency number in your phone. Keep a thermometer handy. Write down the diagnosis and the time of the next visit.
This weekA document folder, a list of medicines and allergies, and practical matters about work and family. Decide who will help with what.
For yourselfMake room for your feelings. Talk, write, breathe. Ask for psychological support if you need it.

07Key terms

Emergency number
The team’s 24-hour contact number.
Document folder
Where all results are kept.
Support network
People who help.

08Key points

  • Know the emergency number.
  • Write down the diagnosis.
  • Gather your documents.
  • Look after yourself.

09Frequently asked questions

Do I have to understand everything today?

No. Information arrives and makes sense gradually.

How much should I read online?

A little at a time, on reliable sites; ask your doctor personal questions.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Do I have to understand everything today?

  2. How much should I read online?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Your Care
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjusting to Cancer
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your Diagnosis
  5. American Cancer Society. Neutropenia (Low White Blood Cell Counts)
  6. American Cancer Society. Typical Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (Except APL)
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Nutrition in Cancer Care (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  8. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Seeking a Second Opinion
  9. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). How to Understand Your Lab Results
  10. NHS. Chemotherapy
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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