Ovarian Colorado

Your Health Care Team

The diagnosis of ovarian cancer can be overwhelming and an important step would be to put together a team of people that can support you through the cancer experience. Typically, your initial diagnosis may come from your primary care or gynecological physician, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. The next step would be a referral to a gynecological oncologist and then to several other physicians and specialists that are part of your team. These can include the oncology nurse, social worker, radiologist, pathologist, medical oncologist and possibly your primary care provider. It is very important that you feel comfortable with these professionals and partner with them in this experience. It may be necessary to obtain second opinions or change physicians if you feel that important needs you have are not being met.

The other part of your health care team are family and friends. Because of the involvement with numerous appointments and health care providers, having a trusted family member or friend accompany you to appointments can be a valuable tool in sifting through all the pieces of information that you will receive. Having someone take notes at these appointments will allow you to ask the questions and fully participate in the dialogue with your health care provider.

Other members of your team may include your nutritionist or your oncology massage therapist or other practitioners who can support you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You choose who you want on your team, how long you want them involved and when you need to change the direction of the care and involvement.

The cancer experience can sometimes feel as if you have little or no control in your life. Establishing your health care team is a way of putting the control back into your life and into the direction you want your healing to go.

Information for Patients

Your Health Care Team