Cancer Treatment Checklist: What to Do Before, During, and After Treatment
This Cancer Treatment Checklist is here to help you stay organized, supported, and confident before, during, and after your treatment journey. Think of it as your companion through this new (and often overwhelming) chapter.
Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or are preparing to start your first round of treatment, there’s one thing we know for sure: you don’t have to do this alone.
Planning ahead can ease the emotional and logistical load of what’s to come.
Let’s walk through it together.
✅ Before Treatment Begins
Starting treatment often feels like stepping into the unknown—but a little prep goes a long way. Use this section of your cancer treatment checklist to lay the foundation:
📋 1. Learn About Your Treatment Plan
- Ask your doctor what kind of treatment you’ll be receiving (chemo, radiation, surgery, immunotherapy, etc.)
- Clarify the schedule: How often? How long? What’s the expected timeline?
- Find out where treatments will happen and if you’ll need transportation.
🧠 Tip: Don’t hesitate to bring a notebook or record the conversation (with permission). The first visit can feel like a whirlwind.
📞 2. Build Your Support Team
This includes:
- Medical team
- Family and friends
- A trusted point of contact for appointments
- Emotional support like a therapist or support group
💡 At Hope Cancer Wellness Center, we offer a variety of free support services including peer groups, mental health counseling, and wellness classes—open to patients, survivors, and caregivers.
🛒 3. Prepare Your Home
- Stock up on easy-to-make meals or prep freezer meals
- Set up a comfy rest area (think cozy blankets, water, entertainment)
- Gather personal care supplies like gentle soaps, lip balm, nausea aids
- Buy a planner or use a digital calendar to track appointments and medications
🧾 4. Organize Your Paperwork
- Insurance info and medical records
- Work or school forms (FMLA, disability leave, etc.)
- A treatment folder or binder with space for questions and test results
- Emergency contact list
If you need help navigating work or insurance conversations, ask your care team or social worker for assistance.
✅ During Treatment
Now that treatment has begun, your cancer treatment checklist becomes all about care, comfort, and communication. Here’s what to focus on:
💬 5. Track Your Symptoms and Side Effects
Every body reacts differently. Keep a daily log of:
- Nausea, fatigue, appetite, sleep patterns
- Any new or changing symptoms
- Medication effectiveness
Bring this to appointments—it helps your care team make adjustments that keep you comfortable and safe.
🍎 6. Nourish Your Body (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)
You might not always feel up for eating, but staying hydrated and fueled can make a huge difference in your strength and recovery.
- Eat small, frequent meals
- Try smoothies, soups, and protein-rich snacks
- Ask about nutrition services
🧘♀️ 7. Care for Your Mind and Emotions
Treatment isn’t just physical—it affects your whole self.
- Make time for mindfulness, music, or prayer
- Don’t isolate—talk to friends, a therapist, or join a group
- Take breaks when needed. It’s okay to rest.
✅ After Treatment
Whether treatment ends in a few weeks or continues long-term, you deserve to celebrate how far you’ve come. This final section of your cancer treatment checklist is about healing, recovery, and finding your “new normal.”
🗓 8. Schedule Follow-Up Care
- Ask what appointments and scans are needed post-treatment
- Clarify how often you’ll be monitored and for how long
- Learn the signs to watch for and when to call your doctor
💬 9. Process the Emotional Impact
Finishing treatment is a milestone—but it can also bring unexpected feelings of anxiety, fear, or “What now?”
That’s normal. You’ve been in survival mode, and now there’s space to feel.
Consider:
- Journaling your experience
- Talking to a survivor counselor
- Attending a survivorship program like the ones at Hope
🌟 10. Celebrate and Reconnect
You did something incredibly hard. Whether it’s ringing a bell, sharing your story, or simply spending time with people you love—acknowledge your strength.
Some people also find healing in giving back or mentoring others. If you’re interested in helping others at Hope Cancer Wellness Center, let us know—we’d love to have you.
You’re Not Alone. We’re With You Every Step.
This cancer treatment checklist is a starting point—but you don’t have to check every box all at once. Your journey is unique, and so is your timeline.
At Hope Cancer Wellness Center, we’re not just here for appointments. We’re here for your whole experience—from your first visit to your last treatment and beyond.
No matter where you are in the process, hope lives here. And so do support, strength, and healing.
