Diagnosed With Ovarian Cancer? Now What?
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The fact that your gynecologist ordered another battery of tests has probably tipped you off to the fact all was not well. Maybe your doctor was concerned about some abnormalities that came to light during your regular blood work up which is part and parcel of one's annual physical. Whatever the case may be, although your medical doctors were most likely extremely careful not speculate or guess in an attempt to not unduly distress you, prior to long it becomes evidence that ovarian cancer may be at the forefront of the conditions for which they are testing.
When the day arrives you have that sit down meeting in the doctor's office you know the news is not good, but nonetheless the handing down of the diagnosis is still a blow. You are diagnosed with ovarian cancer - now what?
Shock, grief, stress and simple disbelief are common emotions. You won't be thinking clearly and it is a good idea to have a trusted individual who accompanies you to your appointment with the doctor to ensure no details and pieces of info get lost. As you're processing what is being said, the trusted third party can take notes with respect to therapy options, diagnosis details, options, and also questions to which the doctor needs answers.
Knowledge is power and you will do well to learn all you can about the disease which is now part and parcel of your life. Educate your self with facts from reputable sources, research the various treatment options, and in so doing write down the questions you will undoubtedly formulate in your thoughts. Having such questions written down will make your next doctor's appointment more productive and informative.
Ask for a referral to a specialist. The most likely option will probably be a gynecologic oncologist - a physician who is also surgeon and whose primary specialty is the treatment of reproductive cancers in women. Not only will this consultation serve as a second opinion, but it will also establish a working relationship with a doctor who's at the forefront of treating women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and thus will be your central contact.
Keep in mind that sometimes the delay between seeking a second opinion from an additional physician may hold up your treatment and depending on the staging of your cancer this might be a dangerous undertaking and ought to be considered with many different advice. Sure, you do want to ensure that your doctors got the diagnosis correct and if you have doubt a 2nd opinion before any major therapy or surgery is highly suggested, but if time is of the essence, it may be safer to err on the side of caution than on the side of consumer protective advice that seeks to lessen unnecessary treatments. Your survival is extremely important and the main goal of any treatment and if looking for out a 2nd opinion jeopardizes your chances of getting rid of the cancerous cells before they spread, it is not worth the danger.
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Author Resource:-
For more information about Womens Health Issues,please click Signs of Cervical Cancer and Causes of Cervical Cancer.
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By :
Laura Kowalski
Submitted
2010-09-04 10:54:38 |
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