Just Diagnosed?
Being diagnosed with leptomeningeal cancer is overwhelming. The first thing you want to do is to feel confident in your care team. Getting a second opinion is always advised, especially if your doctor is not an expert in leptomeningeal cancer.
To confirm a diagnosis, you’ll want to get additional tests, such as:
- Liquid biopsies
- Next Generation Sequencing Biomarker Testing
Next, be sure to assemble a care team that includes multiple specialists. Your medical care team may include:
- Medical oncologist (specific to your time of cancer
- Neuro-oncologist
- Radiation oncologist
- Neurosurgeon
- Palliative care physician or supportive oncologist
- Social Worker
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Speech Therapist
- Neuro-ophthalmologist
- Audiologist
- Urologist
Not all of these doctors or therapists are needed right away. But it may be good to start having them identified if and when you need them.
Symptoms can vary from person to person and require an understanding of how best to manage them.
- Symptom Management (coming soon)
There are times when you can manage symptoms at home. And other times, it’s important to seek immediate medical care.
- When to go the ER (coming soon)