A Patient’s Guide to Understanding
Cutaneous Lymphoma
24
•
Financial Counselor
– This is an individual, often within the doctor’s
office, who helps empower patients to navigate their insurance policy,
plan for additional uncovered treatments and otherwise meet the
financial demands of their course of treatment.
•
Psychosocial Therapist
– This person can counsel you through the
emotions you have and outcomes of your disease.
•
Spiritual Guide
– Some patients find it comforting to include a
spiritual advisor from their faith community in their support team.
•
Nutritionist
– This person is an expert in providing strategies for
finding the right foods and nutrients you’ll need to sustain you through
treatments.
•
Community of Patients
– Individuals diagnosed with any form of
a serious disease find comfort in connecting with others who have
walked a similar path. Your healthcare provider or your treatment
center can connect you with others who have experience with your
particular diagnosis. The Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation is
an excellent resource for helping you connect with others. The
Foundation website is a good place to start
).
Before selecting individuals to guide you through treatment, educate
yourself on the available options and interview potential providers before
including them in your team. Keep in mind the following steps as you
proceed:
• Gather information to make treatment decisions with your healthcare
team.
• Ask questions.
• Tell your healthcare team how you are feeling – physically AND
emotionally.
• Learn about treatment choices/options and potential side effects.
• Seek relief from itching or pain.
• Ask others for support.
• Assign important tasks or chores to friends and family when needed.
• Ask care partners to help with insurance matters as they arise.
• Find a reliable partner to drive you to and from treatment.
