Table 1.
Coping-Together booklet content
| Booklet title | Description | Example Challenges | Example coping strategies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Getting What You Need From Your Health Care Team | Working with your medical team, knowing how to ask the right questions, getting and understanding the information you need | We don't know what questions to ask We leave our appointments feeling we didn't get what we wanted |
Use question checklists Prepare for appointments, communicate assertively and use other methods of communication |
| Making Your Treatment Decision | Considering your options, treatment planning and adjusting to treatment-related delays | We feel overwhelmed by options We want more of a say in the decision |
Identify what is most important to you, talk to your healthcare team and use decision aids Use assertive communication and consider a second opinion |
| Getting on Top of Symptoms | Coping with common treatment side effects | Fatigue Pain |
Use a symptom diary, talk to your healthcare team and use self-care strategies |
| Dealing with Stress and Worry | Addressing the emotional reactions to diagnosis and treatment | I feel sad, down and/or isolated I'm having difficulties sleeping |
Do pleasant activities and connect with others Practice good sleep hygiene throughout the day |
| Supporting Each Other | Enhancing your communication and connection to your partner, and adjusting to changes that may arise in your relationship | I just don't know how to make my partner feel better I'm stressed by changes in my roles and responsibilities |
Use listening skills, body language and empathy, avoid roadblocks to listening well Negotiate changes in roles and responsibilities and accept offers of help from others |
| Getting the Support You Need | Finding appropriate support to address practical, emotional, financial, legal and informational needs | We need more information We need legal help |
Identify your information needs, identify the right source of information, check the information credibility and manage information overload Identify the legal issues you need addressed and find a service that is right for you |