The First 72 Hours

Right now, you only need to handle the next few steps – not everything. This is the short list of what matters in the first three days. Take it one step at a time.

In the first few hours

• Breathe. You don’t have to make every decision today.
• Bring someone with you to appointments – a second set of ears helps.
• Start a notebook (or a notes app). Make it your journey diary. Write down names, what the doctors say, and questions as they come. Keep track of medicine, reactions, etc..
• Start a folder for paperwork – every form, every business card. You may need multiple folders. Stay as organized as you can.

Get the essentials from your care team

• Ask for the diagnosis and the care plan in writing. You will want to review this when you can and refer to it in the future.
• Get your care team’s names and the after-hours / urgent phone number.
• Ask: “Who is our main point of contact?”
• Ask what counts as an emergency, and what can wait until morning.
• Ask what to expect in the next 24 hours, 3 days, week, etc..

Tell only who you need to

• Pick one person who you can trust to update family and friends, so you’re not repeating the hardest news over and over.
• It’s okay to keep your circle small right now.
• Keep your phone on “do not disturb” as much as you can. This is YOUR time and people have to respect that.

Protect your job and income (this week)

• Let your employer know you’ll need some flexibility – you don’t have to share details.
• Ask about leave options; FMLA and paid family leave may apply. See Employment Help.
• If applicable, as to work remotely until further notice.

Insurance and money (this week)

• Call your insurance company; ask what’s covered and whether anything needs pre-approval.
• Start a bills folder. Don’t rush to pay anything you’re unsure about. Actually – don’t pay anything right now as most bills will be incorrect. More on this later.
• Real help exists for treatment costs, housing, and utilities — see Financial, Government Assistance, and Housing.
• Don’t jump to make drastic changes right now, this is the first 72 hours. See what lies ahead and act accordingly.

Take care of yourself

• Eat something. Sleep when you can. Accept help when it’s offered.
• Caring for yourself is part of caring for them.

What can wait

Almost everything else. You’ll get to it. One step at a time.