Being told you have lung cancer is life changing. For many people, the first few weeks and months after diagnosis are filled with questions, uncertainty, and emotional highs and lows. While the journey ahead can feel overwhelming, knowing what to expect in the first three months after diagnosis can help patients and caregivers feel more prepared and empowered.
We spoke with Dr. Deric Savior, who shared his insight and how patients and caregivers can navigate this time with clarity and confidence. Dr. Savior serves as the System Division Chief of Hematology – Oncology at Main Line Health Lankenau Medical Center and Temple University Hospital.
He has over 20 years of experience, specializing in lung, prostate, and breast cancer. He has extensive experience in clinical investigations and emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care, focusing on treating the “whole person— body, soul, and spirit” with compassion and empathy.
Building a Care Team
One of the most important steps after diagnosis is assembling a team of experts. Dr. Savior explains that patients often meet with a multidisciplinary group that may include a variety of healthcare specialties from oncology to social work.
“Every patient is unique, and every cancer is unique,” he says. “That’s why the first 90 days are about building the right team around you. It’s about making sure the treatment plan is designed specifically for your cancer and your life.”
In those first 90 days, he explains that those initial visits with your care team following diagnosis consist of various conversations which include education surrounding the diagnosis and type of cancer, the stage of cancer, goals of care, and whether any additional testing is needed.
“Patients may undergo additional scans, biopsies, or genetic testing to better understand the type of lung cancer they have. These details help doctors personalize treatment and explore all available options, including clinical trials,” he shares.
Managing Emotions and Information Overload
The emotional impact of a lung cancer diagnosis can be just as challenging as the physical one. Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty are common for both patients and caregivers.
Dr. Savior encourages open conversations. “We’re very honest with our patients. We don’t withhold information because we want them to be fully participating in all the decision-making. I tell my patients, they’re the most important person in the room.”
“As providers, we have to make sure that we address all those fears. We’re treating body, mind and spirit because this is a devastating diagnosis that affects them on multiple levels and also their loved ones that surround them as well.”
Dr. Savior recommends bringing a notebook or folder including a list of your medications, underlying health conditions, and your primary care providers and other important doctors that you see as well as something to write with.
If possible, bring a loved one with you to appointments so you don’t have to focus on absorbing all the information by yourself and keep a journal of questions to ask as during office visits.
Understanding Treatment Options
Within the first 90 days, patients usually learn about their treatment options, which may include:
- Surgery (for early-stage cancers)
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Targeted therapies or immunotherapy (depending on genetic markers)
- Clinical trials
Your health care provider can help you determine which option is best for you.
Dr. Savior states, “With my patients, I talk about the differences between chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation. After we have those discussions, we discuss which treatment option will be best for them. Everybody’s case is different, but after they leave my initial appointment, they should know exactly what the plan is. They should know what they have, what their stage is, what the plan is going to be, and when they’re going to come back to see me.”
Clinical trials are not a last resort. “Every patient that comes through my doors is evaluated to see if they’re suitable for a clinical trial. In the African American community, people are very hesitant to even consider clinical trials. Because historically, clinical trials mean something, especially to us. People have a lot of questions. So a big part of my job is to educate them, discuss why I would consider them for a clinical trial, and the risks and benefits,” says Savior.
The Importance of Having Support
Caregivers play an essential role during this time. They can help manage appointments, monitor side effects, and provide emotional support.
“Sometimes caregivers notice changes before the patient does,” Dr. Savior points out. “Their observations are incredibly valuable in shaping care.”
Caregivers also benefit from support groups, counseling, or simply taking breaks to avoid burnout. When it comes to support groups, don’t overthink it. Think about who you want to help you through this journey and seek out others who may offer support. It’s good to be able to see different perspectives and to see people going through this process and doing well.
Why the First 90 Days Matter
The first three months after diagnosis set the tone for a patient’s entire cancer journey. This is when trust is built with the care team, treatment decisions are made, and emotional coping strategies are established.
Dr. Savior emphasizes, “Not all lung cancer is like a death sentence, because if caught early enough, there’s a chance it can be cured. Those first 90 days are crucial to ensure we have all the information needed to begin treatment as soon as possible.”
Moving Forward with Hope
While a lung cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, patients and families are not without resources. By understanding what the first 90 days may bring, patients can feel more prepared to move forward.
Dr. Savior stresses the importance of having support, however that may look for you, whether that’s bringing your tribe with you to appointments, or joining Facebook support groups to connect with others on their cancer journey.
The bottom line: The first 90 days after a lung cancer diagnosis are a critical time to gather information, build a care team, explore treatment options (including clinical trials), and lean on support systems. With the proper guidance, patients and caregivers can feel empowered to move forward with hope.
Supported by an educational grant by Merck Incorporated