© Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Patient and Family Education Committee. Page 2 of 2 HOW TO PLAN FOR YOUR CANCER TREATMENT • Make a list of all the medicines you take, including prescription medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter remedies. Always keep this list up-to-date and with you. • Get the over-the-counter medicines that are suggested by your cancer care team (to manage possible side effects of treatment, like constipation or diarrhea). • Fill any prescriptions needed for your treatment. Some treatments require you to take specific medicines before treatment. It is very important that you take these medicines before your first treatment, following instructions from your doctor or nurse. • Drink plenty of fluids. Try to increase your fluid intake to 8 glasses (8 ounces each) of water per day. • Ask a friend or family member to come with you to your appointments. Your illness and treatments may cause you to feel drowsy and weak and affect your ability to drive safely. o Dana-Farber’s visitor policy may change based on public health concerns, like COVID19. Check www.dana-farber.org or talk with your cancer care team for the latest rules. • Talk with your doctor, nurse, or a nutritionist about the best ways to eat a well-balanced diet before, during, and after your treatments. Call Dana-Farber Nutrition Services at 617632-3006 for more information. • Stay active. Exercise has many benefits during treatment. Talk with your cancer care team. Learn more at www.dana-farber.org/exercise. • Stay organized. Set up a system to keep track of your medical bills and care instructions from your cancer care team. • Make a financial plan. Prioritize bills and keep track of your expenses and co-payments. Consider advice from a financial planner and/or tax consultant. Dana-Farber resources: Talk with your cancer care team whenever you have questions or need help. The resources listed here also offer useful support and services: • Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living: Offers integrative therapies such as exercise classes, yoga, acupuncture, massage therapy, and more. Call 617-632-3322 or visit www.dana-farber.org/zakim. • Social Work: Offers emotional support to you, family and caregivers and can find supportive resources in your local community. Call 617-632-3301 or learn more at www.danafarber.org/socialwork . • Need help with insurance or paying for your care? Learn if you may be eligible for financial assistance. o Call our Patient Billing solutions team 617-632-3795. o Visit www.dana-farber.org/pfa or email patientbillingsolutions@dfci.harvard.edu with difficulty paying for your medical bills. The instructions in this teaching sheet are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding your medical condition. If you experience any significant change in your health during or after treatment, contact a member of your cancer care team right away.
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