If you are receiving cancer treatment, managing the logistics of getting your care can seem overwhelming. Use the suggestions below to better manage the logistics of getting cancer care.
Even if you drive, you'll want to consider others who can help with transportation on days when you are likely not going to be up to driving or after procedures where your healthcare providers recommend you don't drive.
If you can't line up some people who can help you with transportation, find a reliable car service to help you arrange for your transportation needs.
Contact the center or hospital that you're dealing with to determine whether they provide for transportation for patients. Social workers at hospitals can be helpful in directing you to transportation resources that you might not have considered.
If your treatment center is not very close to your home, you can consider speaking with your healthcare providers about working with labs or other facilities closer to your home for specific services you require.
Cook several meals before a treatment or procedure that you anticipate will leave you not interested in cooking. Having food ready-to-eat can help you keep your strength up and your diet healthy even on days when you're not feeling your best.
If paperwork is becoming overwhelming for you, consider arranging for online bill paying for your household bills and spend some time organizing your medical bills. When you organize your medical bills, organize them by date of service so that you can more easily match them up with explanations of benefits you receive from healthcare providers.
Participate in support groups that can help address the emotional and practical challenges of getting treatment for cancer. Depending on your primary requirements, whether you prefer talking about how you're feeling or whether you're more interested in finding out tips and tricks for coping, there is likely a local group you can join.
Ask for recommendations from others in your area getting cancer treatment. Other patients can be a great resource for finding out about local resources that can be helpful in managing your life.
Make sure that anyone who helps you understands that you're the boss if you're nervous about losing control of your own life. Communicating your expectations to those helping you that you desire to be kept up-to-date about your life can effectively reduce feelings of powerlessness.
Don't neglect the idea of fun. Whether it's going out for a cup of coffee and socializing with friends or watching a movie, your life does not have to be about cancer 24/7.
If you find yourself feeling depressed or unmotivated to do tasks or activities that you are physically able to do, speak with your healthcare provider to see whether an antidepressant is appropriate for you.
Working towards wellness after a cancer diagnosis requires managing the logistics of getting care and integrating them into your lifestyle. Use the tips above for taking control of the logistics of getting cancer care so that you can better focus on being well.