Compiling your imaging, radiology reports, and medical summaries.

When you are first told that you or your loved one may have cancer, your world goes into a tailspin. You are trying to get into seeing all sorts of doctors, get biopsies and all ASAP. Once you have your official diagnosis the next step is deciding if you want to stay in your local area for treatment or if you want to look elsewhere for treatment. Here is a list of things we need when going to get other opinions at cancer centers:

1. Recent imaging on CDs

2. Radiology Reports

3. Blood Work

4. Genetic Testing Results

5. Medical Summary of procedures, treatments, etc.

Looking at local VS. larger cancer centers or institutes.

If you have the privilege to go to get more opinions I highly recommend it. Cancer Care is NOT standardized. Different places have different approaches and access to different clinical trials if that is the route you end up needing to go. Many people don’t realize how different cancer care is from place to place.

You may have family members who want you to stay locally for treatment, but you can’t let anyone sway what you and/or your person want. This is where advocating comes in with family.

What if you don’t like your doctor?

Find a new one, this is your life, and if you don’t get along or trust your doctor find a new one. It can certainly be daunting, but you will be happier long term.