Thymus Cancer: Newly Diagnosed

Being told you have thymus cancer can be scary, and you may have many questions. But you have people on your healthcare team to help.

Coping with fear

It’s normal to feel afraid. Learning about your cancer and about the treatment choices you have can make you feel less afraid. This also helps you work with your healthcare team and make the best choices for your treatment. You can also ask to speak with a counselor.

Working with your healthcare team

You will likely have different types of healthcare providers on your healthcare team. These might include:

• Thoracic surgeon. This is a healthcare provider who uses surgery to treat diseases in the chest.

• Medical oncologist. This is a healthcare provider who specializes in treating cancer with medicines. These include chemotherapy.

• Radiation oncologist. This is a healthcare provider who specializes in treating cancer with radiation.

Many other healthcare providers will be part of your team as well, such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and social workers. They will answer any questions you may have. They’ll help you through each of the steps you’ll take before, during, and after treatment. Your team will let you know what tests you need and the results of those tests. They’ll guide you in making treatment decisions and help prepare you and your loved ones for what’s ahead.

Learning about treatment choices

To decide the best course of treatment for you, your healthcare team needs to know as much as they can about your cancer. This may mean getting some tests and working with more than one healthcare provider. And you may decide that you want to get a second opinion to help you choose a treatment.

Getting support

Coping with cancer can be very stressful for you and your family. Talk with your healthcare team about seeing a counselor. They can refer you to someone who can help. You and your family members can also join support groups to talk with other people coping with thymus cancer. Ask your healthcare team about local or online support groups.