Becoming Our Patient
After a cancer diagnosis, you’re going to feel many emotions. Emotions of fear, stress, anger, worry — it’s all normal. While treating cancer is a complex, step-by-step process, experts at Avera will work diligently to deliver not only great care, but hope as well.
Your Cancer Care Team
An entire team of experts will review your case to determine the most appropriate treatment options personalized to you. Cancer patients have many experts available to lend support, including specialized oncologists, nurses, genetic counselors, surgeons, pathologists, navigators, social workers, dietitians, chaplains, patient advocates and others.
How to Prepare
At the first doctor appointments, you'll receive a significant amount of information about your diagnosis and treatment options. While this may feel overwhelming, we want you to fully understand your treatment.
- Prepare in advance, so you can focus on making informed decisions about your care.
- Bring a close friend or family member to help you absorb the information.
- If you’re bringing multiple people to an appointment, call ahead to see what arrangements can be made and to coordinate this visit with your nurse.
- Charge your phone so you're able to record and later review the diagnosis and treatment options explained by your provider.
Appointment Checklist
For your appointments, please prepare in advance by bringing the following:
- Insurance card
- New patient packet
- Emergency contacts
- Pen, notebook or a phone to take notes
- A list of current prescriptions and dosages
- Medical information, radiology tests, reports (upon request)
- Reading materials, games or tablet to pass the time
- Advance directives such as living will and durable power of attorney
Questions to Ask
We want to ensure you are heard and all of your questions are answered. Here are important questions to ask after your diagnosis.
- What is my cancer’s stage and size?
- Has it spread to other places in my body?
- Will additional tests be necessary to confirm my diagnosis?
- What treatment options are available?
- How will treatments affect my quality of life?
- How long will the treatments last?
- What type of side effects might I have?
- Are there any diet or drinking restrictions?
- Are there any lifestyle changes I should consider?
Travel Checklist
If you’re traveling a distance for care, here are ideas for what to pack:
- Personal ID
- Debit, credit, and/or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) card
- Mobile devices and chargers
- Change of clothing
- Winter: Long pants, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, warm coat, boots, hat, mittens
- Summer: shorts, short sleeves, sandals, layers (air conditioning)
- Toiletries
- Prescriptions
- First-aid kit
- Pain and fever relievers
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
