1. 1. There is always time for a Second Opinion, so go and get one.
   No one is right 100% of the time - not even doctors. Not every cancer diagnosis should be taken as the final word too - especially in community-based hospitals, where they are not as specialized. Somewhere in the back of your head you will always be wondering about a second opinion. Don't let the “what if” scenarios nag at you. Just do it. It can certainly be worthwhile to make a trip to a major cancer center. If the diagnosis remains the same, you will have the peace of mind knowing that you explored the initial diagnosis thoroughly.
   
   
2. Create an Ally.
   You should not consider any doctor who is not optimistic. He or she will become your “chief” in this battle. Using your instincts and life-learned skills, you must develop a trust with your physician. You do that by doing your homework. Use the internet. It is a treasure trove of information. That knowledge will serve you well when making difficult decisions and help free you of any reservations about the choices that lies ahead.
   
   
3. Create a Worksheet.
   A list of medical center options as well as physicians is simple to create. This personal cheat sheet will help you to evaluate doctors and treatment centers in your area. Are they board certified? How many procedures have they done in a year? Five years? Or the previous decade? Creating a list of the advantages and disadvantages of the various crossroads ahead organizes your new rituals. And these very same lists easily become your journal of notes, which will help you to narrow a sometimes vast field of options and ultimately help guide your decisions.
   
   
4. Begin to Visualize your  “Professional Team"
   Choose a medical center that will be able to offer you a multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists. Your child will need a host of support and rehab personnel to insure the best possible outcomes. A wonderful resource for more information is Cure Search found here at curesearch.org. Cure Search gives parents information for newly diagnosed cancers, as well as those in treatment. The American Cancer Society also has an easy to use, very comprehensive database of Pediatric Cancer Centers, organized by State, on their Web site at cancer.org.
   
   
5. Learn to ask Great Questions!
   Now is not the time to be timid. It is important for you to be able to talk frankly and openly with your medical team. But it's even more important to know what to ask. What can I expect during treatment? Will my medical team be available during off  hours? in an emergency? What other support services will I receive? How are my child’s results measured? Also consider other factors, such as how far can I travel? How can I still take care of my family? When can my child return to school? These are a few of the questions that surface in the early going. No question is a stupid question, so ask often.

Is there a lot to know? Yes there is. Will you struggle at times to keep it all coordinated? Of course you will. You’re human too. But as you walk this new and unknown path, arm yourself along the way with lists like the one discussed here today. Your organizational brawn will certainly be challenged in the coming days, weeks and months. Creating the list above is an easy and practical way to keep your mind where it belongs: on easing the journey for you and your child by ensuring the best possible treatment options have been sought and secured.

How do you locate treatment and medical expertise? Have I left out a step that you apply to your vetting process? In general, do you create lists to help keep you on task? I’d love to have your feedback, so please feel free to share your experiences.

Photo credit: littman