TOPIC:

Get Organized & Fight Cancer

1.    Write out your whole, lifetime medical history and give that to your oncologist as soon as possible. ALL information may be important. 

2.    Get a three-ring binder and three-hole puncher.  Ask for copies of every test result, every blood test, etc. Do this every time. Divide the binder into sections. Keep medical bills and insurance information in one section. Create other sections such as Blood Tests, CT Scans, etc. When you have x-rays, tests, or scans, ask for and keep a copy of the printed results. Then add them to your binder. Ask for and get the actual films on a CD from each test provider (usually provided at no cost.) CDs might be available the same day as the test if you ask for it in advance. A member of your Team* can help you with this. Bring the binder with you to treatments and oncology visits, just in case needed information has not been forwarded electronically to your doctor or treatment provider. Many places use a MyChart type of internet service. However if it is not working or you cannot access it on line, you will not be able to get the info you might need during a visit.

3.    People on your Team* WANT to help you, so let them! Keep paper and pencil near your phone. Always keep it in the same place so you can find it easily. Every time you think about something you wish you could do or want to have done, write it on the list. When someone says, "What can I do to help?” get your list and let them choose something they want to do that you want done. You will feel better and so will the people who want to help you! 

4.     Use or share this information: PAN is an independent non-profit organization that provides assistance to underinsured patients for their out-of-pocket expenses for life-saving medications. Ninety cents of every dollar donated to PAN goes directly to patients. Since 2004, PAN has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance to patients in need.

Phone 866.316.7263 www.PANfoundation.org

*Your Team is comprised of the people who are walking the path of your cancer-fighting journey with you. Write down their names and give them assignments as needed. They want to help! More about this later…