Ideas for podcast for those just diagnosed

From a remote (really remote) perspective, I would have liked information on accommodation options, who provides,  where, how and costs.

In essense a 'go to' facilitator to organise this essential service right from the beginning at diagnosis.

How to organise a second opinion. Where to go for a second opinion. Costs involved. For remote regional patients a second opinion is a must.

What alternatives are available for treatment. Is treatment needed at this exact moment. Can I take a few weeks / months to research treatment options.

Patient centred treatment. That is, what the patient wants. Put the patient at the centre of all decisions. 

Can I meet the team involved in my care. Who will be involved in my care during treatment and post treatment. What will be my post treatment care. A written post treatment care plan is essential.

Ask about the side effects of adjuvant hormone treatment especially in relation to comorbidities.

Eighteen months down the track there are many things I would have approached  differently in my treatment if I had been 'armed' with appropriate knowledge. 

Ask about costs and a clear explanation of the alternative paths, public and private.

A clear explanation of how your case and team is run. A clear explanation of each step, eg once your tumour is removed, the treatment may change as it may be bigger than shown on a mammogram. Who is the point person, how your GP can help you with allied health. Which leads into...

Ask about access to counselling should you or your family want to have any. How do you access it. Referrals, recommendations, available services in your area. Same with a dietician if required.

Ask if you have to decide now. It moves so fast at the start and we can be rushed into action.

If there is not one present or offered, ask about access to a breast care nurse, and how that relationship functions.

Ask for copies of all you test results, pathology etc. You may not want or understand them now, but you almost certainly will later.

That's all I can think of now. It's not pleasant to think back to that time!