23
Learning The Basics
The best way to manage a disease like cutaneous lymphoma is by
assembling the right team of physicians and support individuals to guide
your treatment course and help you through each stage of the journey.
Members of your healthcare team may include a combination of the
following individuals:
•
You
– You will feel better and more in control when you play an active
role in your own health care. It is important to become educated about
your disease, your diagnosis, and the options available to you.
•
Your Care Partner(s)
– Family members and friends can offer great
support and accompany you to treatment appointments or just be
there to talk through the various emotions you may experience as you
follow the course of your disease.
•
Dermatologist
– A doctor who specializes in diagnosis and treatment
of skin diseases. Some dermatologists specialize in treating cutaneous
lymphoma.
•
Oncologist
– A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating
cancer. Some oncologists specialize in cutaneous lymphoma.
•
Radiation Oncologist
– A doctor who specializes in radiation to treat
cancer.
•
Nurse Practitioner
– A registered nurse with advanced education and
training who can help your doctors manage the disease, symptoms,
and side effects.
•
Social Worker/Clinic Coordinator/Patient Navigator
– This person is
tasked with looking at logistics and helping patients plan their course
of treatments. This is a person who can help guide patients when they
face treatment challenges such as having to travel 50-100 miles for light
therapy, communicate with insurance companies, etc.
•
Pharmacist
– An expert in medications who understands and can
advise on the use and interactions of medications, and help doctors
review allergies and drug-drug interactions (which are common).
1
Chapter 5
Working With Your Healthcare Team
