The most important step you can take as a newly diagnosed cancer patient is to educate yourself about your diagnosis—understanding the type of cancer you have, the treatment options available, and the potential short-term and long-term side effects that may arise during treatment.
We know this journey can feel overwhelming, but the more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate it and ensure you receive the best care possible.
While advocating for yourself may feel daunting at first, it’s a powerful tool that will help you voice your needs, concerns, and preferences. By doing so, you can ensure that you receive the compassionate, personalized care and support you deserve every step of the way.
A cancer diagnosis can be shocking, overwhelming and leave you with many questions about what happens next. We suggest you take things one day at a time, try not to Google anything until you meet with your doctor and lean on your loved ones for comfort and support.
Your first appointment with your oncologist, a doctor that specializes in cancer), will include information about what kind of cancer you have, what stage it’s in and what your treatment options are. Treatment options will depend on the type of cancer you have and what stage it’s in.
We suggest making sure you have someone with you at all appointments for comfort and support as well as being able to listen and ask questions you may not have thought of.
The most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone. Between your loved ones, friends, the care team at the medical facility where you’re being treated and other local organizations, there are many resources to help you through every step of your journey.
Sarcomas are a rare type of solid tumor cancer that develops in connective tissues like bone, muscle, fat, nerves, and blood vessels. There are more than 70 different types of Sarcomas.
Types of sarcoma include Ewing sarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Neuroblastoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, soft tissue sarcomas.
Your treatment will depend on what kind of sarcoma you’ve been diagnosed with and what stage of cancer you’re in.
The two most common treatments you’ve probably heard of are chemotherapy and radiation. Depending on the location of your cancer, surgery to remove tumors may also be a viable option.
In addition, immunotherapy is an emerging treatment that harnesses the power of your body’s own immune system to help fight the cancer.
Your doctor will discuss the specifics of your treatment plan with you, but it’s important to know that side effects can vary depending on the type of treatment you’re receiving.
Common side effects may include nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and loss of appetite. However, everyone’s body responds to treatment differently, so these effects can vary from person to person.
The risks depend on the type of cancer, the types and doses of treatments used and a person’s age when getting treatment.
A few examples can be:
AYA stands for adolescent and young adults ages 13 – 29.
The experience can be quite different for young adults due to several unique factors. One of the challenges is that it often takes longer to receive a cancer diagnosis, as there is still limited awareness around diagnosing cancer in AYAs who may appear otherwise healthy.
There may also be distinct challenges based on what chapter of life you’re in.. Whether you’re still in high school, navigating college, or entering the workforce, fitting cancer treatment into your daily routine can feel overwhelming.
Building or maintaining romantic relationships can also be tough. Many AYA cancer patients face emotional struggles, such as anxiety, depression, and a sense of isolation, as they may not relate to their peers who are living what seems like a “normal” life.
The good news is that there are numerous local organizations, like ours, that are dedicated not only to raising funds for cancer research but also to creating opportunities for AYA cancer patients to connect with one another. These connections provide a space to share experiences, offer support, and build relationships with others who truly understand what you’re going through.
