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Share the News About Your Diagnosis Finding out you have cancer can put you and your family on an emotional rollercoaster. Although “cancer” is easy to pronounce, if you’ve just been diagnosed, it can be the hardest word to say.
However, it’s healthy to talk with friends and family about it. Sharing the news with others can help you cope and relieve feelings of isolation and frustration. When you are ready, tell your loved ones about the diagnosis.
Try this advice when it’s time to break the news.
Take Good Care of Yourself Here are some steps you can take to help you cope better.
Prep for Treatment Making decisions about starting your treatment may seem overwhelming. Keep in mind cancer treatments offer numerous alternatives, so decisions may not be straightforward.
Learn as much as you can about your cancer and treatment options. Being actively involved in the decision-making process can help you better understand your treatment. You’ll feel more in control and less worried about the road ahead.
How can we help? On top of understanding your diagnosis, knowing what to do next can seem like too much to think about.
The first thing you can do as a Blue Cross and Blue Shield member is to call the customer service number on your member ID card. One phone call can help determine what resources and help are available. Just tell the Customer Advocate that you’ve learned you have breast cancer and would like to talk to a care manager.
We have a team of registered nurses and social workers to help manage your needs through your treatment and recovery journey, making sure you get the best possible care. These care managers can be a lifeline to support services, such as:
Case managers also work with our teams of doctors and pharmacists to review your treatments and medicines. These reviews can help make sure there won’t be any harmful interactions with other drugs you’re taking. And they can find food restrictions that may need to be followed to prevent interference with a medicine.
Case managers also work behind the scenes to coordinate care among your doctors.
And the role of a case manager isn’t just about coordinating medical care. A case manager will help you understand what’s ahead, provide answers to your medical questions, and guide you through the journey ahead with compassion.
Have you faced breast cancer? Share your story in the Comments.
Originally published October 5, 2015; Revised 2019