How can I find support for my extensive stage small cell lung cancer?

Extensive stage SCLC means the cancer has spread beyond the lung. Watch Dr. Christopher Vaughn, Host of Cancer Shop Talk: Behind the Diagnosis with Dr. Vaughn, describe how to manage the changes around this diagnosis and where to look for support.

Transcript

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So for those who don't know, extensive stage small cell lung cancer means the cancer has spread beyond the lung, where the cancer first appeared, possibly

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to the other side of the chest or to other body parts. And like any cancer diagnosis, learning you have it means that some big changes in your life

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may start to take hold. That's why it's great that you're already looking to finding some support. So let's start with the basics. A key form of support will obviously

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come from your health care team. That's the group of professionals working with you to find the best treatment possible. Some of the people you may be working with

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are your oncologist. These are doctors that specialize in cancer treatments. The team may also include an at-home nurse,

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nurse practitioner, nutritionist, psychologist, counselor, or someone who can provide spiritual support,

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really, anyone you might need to receive the most effective care. And assembling a team that works for you is crucial.

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Because recovering from cancer impacts more than just your physical health, we need to find support for emotional, mental, and social well-being too.

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This is where support groups and counseling can play a huge role. Support groups have been shown to really improve patients' sense of emotional well-being

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and make patients feel less isolated as they undergo treatment and recovery. They can connect you to useful resources and also provide practical informational support,

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which is always helpful, especially for new patients. On a larger scale, support groups are a great way of expanding what's

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called your support network. That's a network of people working together to improve your life and help you throughout your recovery.

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The good news is that big parts of your support network already exist. It is your friends, family, loved ones, and social groups.

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Staying connected to people and things you love is really important to your emotional well-being and overall quality of life, so don't be afraid to ask for help.

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Everyone needs support from time to time, especially those recently diagnosed with cancer. I know it can be daunting, but the more proactive you are in assembling your health care team and support

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network, the more effective that support can be. [MUSIC PLAYING]