We’ve rounded up a list of the health professionals you’ll want on your care team and the role they can play in your treatment journey. Some may be assigned to you through your hospital or treatment center, while others you may need to seek out yourself.
“We definitely feel that cancer care is a team sport,” says Anita Kumar, MD, a lymphoma specialist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Different care providers will attend to your physical, mental, and financial health during treatment.
Oncologist-Hematologist
Your oncologist or oncologist-hematologist is “your cancer quarterback,” says Dr. Kumar. They specialize in managing your cancer to eliminate or slow the growth of your cancer and extending your life. “We do disease evaluation and other clinical testing to understand your overall health status,” says Kumar. “Together, these are important components that help put together an optimal treatment plan.”
Radiation Oncologist
Oncology Nurse
An oncology nurse will administer your chemotherapy and will likely be your go-to for any questions that come up during treatment. Not sure when to communicate through the medical portal versus call the office, or what to do if new side effects appear? Your oncology nurse likely has answers – or can connect you with someone who does.
In addition, your oncology nurse will explain what to expect during your treatment and potential side effects. A nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant may work alongside the oncology nurse to ensure that your treatment goes according to your doctor’s plan.
Disease Specialists
If you have preexisting chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, you may work with your cardiologist, endocrinologist, or another specialist to ensure that the LBCL treatment is not worsening these conditions. For example, chemoimmunotherapy can cause cardiac side effects, Kumar explains, while chemotherapy that contains steroids can affect blood sugar management and increase the risk of neuropathy.
You can avoid these side effects by continuing to see your regular specialists and ensuring that your entire care team is aware of your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Social Worker
Another key player on your LBCL treatment team will be a social worker who is trained to help you navigate the emotional, logistical, and even financial challenges that can come up during treatment. A social worker can help you with everything from navigating health insurance and requesting medical leave at work to securing transportation to and from the hospital. You can think of them as your advocate who ensures that your needs are met during — and after — treatment.
Mental Health Professional
It’s important to address any mental health challenges that existed before your diagnosis, as well as anything that comes up during or after your treatment, says Kumar. If you’re unsure where to turn, your social worker can provide referrals and connect you to support groups and other mental health resources.
Financial Navigator
Blood cancer is one of the most expensive cancer types to treat. However, one study found that participating in a financial navigation program saved people who have hematologic cancer an average of $2,500 each.
A financial navigator, often provided through your hospital or treatment center, can help you understand, budget for, and find assistance for the direct costs of treatment, as well as indirect costs such as transportation, lodging, time off from work (to attend appointments or recover from treatment), prescription drug costs, and more. If a financial navigator is not available to you, your social worker may help with these needs.
Loved Ones
Although they aren’t medical or social work professionals, your friends and family are key members of your care team. “Your support system can help you cope with the stress associated with a cancer diagnosis,” says Barnett. Your loved ones can lend an ear, offer practical help, and even provide a healthy distraction when it feels like all you can think about is cancer.
Read the full article here
