Dealing with late-stage NSCLC can be overwhelming and confusing, but it’s important to have open and honest discussions with your medical professional about your concerns and priorities. These discussions can cover treatment options, future outlook, follow-up care, and life goals and priorities. It’s crucial to feel comfortable and informed about your treatment plan, and to understand what to expect moving forward.
Jeffrey Ward, MD, a medical oncologist at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, stresses the importance of discussing your treatment goals with your doctor, as well as being aware of potential future outcomes. With advancements in treatments such as immunotherapy and targeted inhibitors, a positive outcome is possible, but it’s essential to discuss the potential success and limitations of these treatments with your doctor.
Follow-up care is also a key topic to address with your medical professional. Understanding the potential for cancer recurrence and having a plan in place for future monitoring and testing is important for managing your ongoing care.
Additionally, considering your life goals and priorities can help your doctor tailor the best treatment plan for you. Ann Fish-Steagall, a registered nurse and senior vice president of patient services at the LUNGevity Foundation, emphasizes the importance of sharing important life events and goals with your doctor to ensure that your treatment aligns with your personal priorities.
