Your Cancer Road Map

Kim Thiboldeaux is an innovative, internationally recognized leader who has dedicated her career to improving the lives of cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. As the CEO of the Cancer Support Community (CSC), Thiboldeaux oversees a global non-profit network of 175 locations, including 47 CSC and Gilda's Club centers, 10 hospital and clinic-based affiliates, and a multitude of satellite locations that deliver more than $50 million in free support services to patients and families. In addition, CSC administers a toll-free helpline and produces award-winning educational resources that reach more than one million people each year. The Cancer Support Community, formed in 2009 by the merger of The Wellness Community and Gilda's Club, also conducts cutting-edge research on the emotional, psychological, and financial journey of cancer patients. In addition, CSC advocates in Washington, DC and at all levels of government for policies to help individuals whose lives have been disrupted by cancer. Thiboldeaux coauthored Reclaiming Your Life After Diagnosis and The Total Cancer Wellness Guide, and hosts the award-winning Frankly Speaking About Cancer radio show. She also serves on multiple advisory boards, speaks at leading conferences, and frequently appears in national media outlets. In June 2017, Vice President Joe Biden appointed Thiboldeaux to serve on the Biden Cancer Initiative's Board of Directors.

CONTENTS



Foreword by Jill Biden
Introduction



Section 1: Just Diagnosed



Chapter 1 Take a Deep Breath
Chapter 2 Know Your Diagnosis and Stage of Disease
Chapter 3 Build Your Team
Chapter 4 Understand Your Treatment Options
Chapter 5 Learn About Genetic and Genomic Testing
Chapter 6 Make an Informed Treatment Decision
Chapter 7 Get a Second Opinion
Chapter 8 Ask About Clinical Trials
Chapter 9 Get to Know Your Insurance Coverage
Chapter 10 Ask to Be Screened for Distress
Chapter 11 Ask About Fertility
Chapter 12 Young Adults and Cancer
Chapter 13 Set Up Advance Directives
Chapter 14 Care for the Caregiver



Section 2: Active Treatment



Chapter 15 Time to Gear Up for Treatment
Chapter 16 Learn How to Manage Side Effects
Chapter 17 Talking to Your Kids About Cancer
Chapter 18 Find Emotional Support
Chapter 19 Build Your Digital Support Network
Chapter 20 Focus on Nutrition
Chapter 21 Exercise and Mind-Body Techniques
Chapter 22 Focus on Finances
Chapter 23 Sex and Intimacy
Chapter 24 Managing Work and Cancer
Chapter 25 What If Treatment Doesn’t End



Section 3: After Treatment Is Done



Chapter 26 Tools for Survivorship and Beyond
Chapter 27 Survivor Care Plan and Medical Follow-Up
Chapter 28 Managing Fear of Recurrence
Chapter 29 Hospice and End of Life



Acknowledgments
About Kim Thiboldeaux
Cancer Support Community Board of Directors
Cancer Support Community Professional Advisory Board
Cancer Support Community Affiliates
Cancer Patient Advocacy Groups and Resources
Federal and State Programs: Insurance and Employment
Resources for Financial Support
Glossary
Index
Notes