Creating a Small Cell Lung Cancer Plan

Planning for What You Need Along the Way

“Asking for help is the hardest thing for some people,” said Annette, a mother and grandmother who has been living with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) for close to three years. “But you really do need to ask for it!”

Remember that you do not have to take care of your SCLC diagnosis alone. The lung cancer community is here to provide information and support for living with this disease. Check out the resources below to help craft your own unique care plan, and find inspiration and first-hand tips from the personal stories of the SCLC community. “I made my community,” said SCLC survivor Nina. “I created it. Every day I would try to make friends, be friendly with somebody at the hospital or on the street. I didn't want to be alone in this whole thing, and these people reminded me that I was alive and human.” Like Nina, you and your loved ones can create a supportive community that can provide helpful resources that are appropriate for your own individual situation.

Care Plan Resources

You will likely have many appointments, information and materials to gather and read-through. As a starting place, below is a list of resources to help you and your care partner take the necessary steps throughout your cancer experience.

• Download: Guide to Discussing SCLC with Your Healthcare Provider
  As you navigate your journey from diagnosis through treatment, you and your care team can work together to create the best plan for you. Download and print this checklist to remind you of all the questions you’d like addressed, and keep it updated in between appointments.
• Navigating When Newly-Diagnosed
  Get the patient handbook from GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer with support services and close-ups on the types of specialists that may become part of your care experience.¹
• Guide to Staying Well at Home
  COVID-19 and other health factors may mean that special steps need to be taken to protect your health. Here are tips for you and your loved ones to make sure that you remain healthy while at home.²
• Staying Healthy During Treatment
  Learn how to avoid infection as well as stay strong and emotionally healthy.³
• COVID-19 and Cancer
  Get the latest updates on how COVID-19 may impact your cancer care plan and precautions you can take to stay safe.⁴

Knowing You’re Not Alone: Patients in Their Own Words

Sometimes the thing that can get you through is feeling that you have a sense of community to support you. Hear from others who share their stories and experiences living their lives with SCLC.

• Montessa: As a special education teacher who was diagnosed with SCLC in 2006, Montessa has been an advocate fighting for patients with the same diagnosis for over a decade: “Our voices are going to be heard, and we are going to come to the table to change things for patients diagnosed with small cell lung cancer.”
• Nina: Nina has been a survivor of SCLC for seven years. As an artist and art therapist, Nina is here to take you through her journey. “I’m here! I’m so happy I made it and I’m here to tell you how it unfolded for me.”
• Kim: Kim lived with SCLC for five years, and during that time, looked for every opportunity to be outside, to go camping, or to be with her nieces and nephews: “I never thought anything negative. I just figured the more positive that you feel about it, that's what’s best for you. I think that mindset helped me tremendously.”
• Annette: For Annette, a mother, wife and grandmother who’s been living with SCLC for close to three years, her support team, Annette’s Army, has been an essential part of helping her get through rough stretches: “Have people around you who are positive,” she insists. “Have people around you who can keep you lifted up.”