Dear Christine,
Ostriches sometimes is ok burying the head. That way you can avoid
confrontation and that benefits stress management and then there are
times when we need to pick up our head from the sand and be more
determined to learn in order to understand and take charge and you are
doing that Christine. Give yourself a pat on the back and some credit.
NO one expects you to be a doctor, so, this all takes time and you are
progressing well.
God Bless
marty auslander
Christine White wrote:
>
> Thank you for such a comprehensive list of questions. Wished I had it 2
> years ago! LOL. I still don't think I have all the answers to these
> questions. Will print it out and take it with me next time I see my Dr
> (which isn't until December). I know it is not the best thing, but
> sometimes I prefer to be like an ostrich and just bury my head in the sand,
> and not know the answers.
> Christine
>
> At 08:59 PM 04/08/98 -0700, you wrote:
> >QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM
> >
> >
> >
> >Communicating effectively with your health care team is crucial in being
> >
> >informed about the diagnosis of your disease. Don't be afraid to ask
> >
> >questions or get a second opinion. YOu may want to bring a friend, a
> >
> >caregiver, a relative with you to help you remember questions and
> >
> >answers and to make notes. Or, you could bring a tape recorder with you
> >
> >during these consultations and sessions with your doctor.
> >
> >
> >
> >It is also important to get your healthcare team to treat you as a whole
> >
> >person, not just cells inside a body. Let the team know about what you
> >
> >do for a living, your family situation and your future goals or plans.
> >
> >Be sure to discuss what impact treatments may have on your life.
> >
> >
> >
> >There are many specific questions about certain diseases; however, below
> >
> >are listed suggestions for general questions you should ask at the time
> >
> >of your diagnosis and follow-up sessions, and questions about continuing
> >
> >care.
> >
> >
> >
> >QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT THE DIAGNOSIS
> >
> >
> >
> >1-What is My Diagnosis
> >
> >2-What is the stage of the disease"
> >
> >3-Is it localized? Is it extended around an organ? Has it spread?
> >
> >4-Is my condition genetic
> >
> >5-Is the diagnosis uncertain?
> >
> >6-What should I tell my children and other family members?
> >
> >7-Where can I go for counseling
> >
> >
> >
> >QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT TREATMENT OPTIONS
> >
> >
> >
> >1-What are my treatment choices? Which do you recommend for me and why?
> >
> >2-How, where, when and how often will treatment be given?
> >
> >3-What is the goal of treatment-cure or control of my symptoms
> >
> >4-Is the treatment experimental, controversial or risky?
> >
> >5-What are some of the possible side effects?
> >
> >6-Are there safe and effective treatments to control these side effects
> >
> >7-HOw much time may I take to weigh my treatment options without harming
> >
> >my chances for recovery
> >
> >8-What happens if I skip one of more treatment sessions due to side
> >
> >effects or scheduling problems
> >
> >9-How will I know if the treatment is working?
> >
> >10-How long will treatment last
> >
> >11-What are the names of the drugs I will take
> >
> >12-May I drink alcoholic beverages
> >
> >13-Are there any special foods I should or should not eat
> >
> >14-Will I have to change my normal activities
> >
> >15-Will I be able to have children after treatment
> >
> >16-Are there options to preserve my fertility prior to treatment
> >
> >17-What are some signs of infection that may occur during treatment
> >
> >18-Would this treatment aggravate or intensify any medical condition I
> >
> >already have
> >
> >19-Will there be interactions with other medications I am taking
> >
> >20-Does my age influence the side effects
> >
> >21-Since my mouth may be affected by treatment, should I see a dentist
> >
> >before starting treatment
> >
> >22-Will the treatment affect me emotionally or sexually
> >
> >23-What will happen if I decide to do nothing
> >
> >24-Are there other options
> >
> >25-When treatments are completed, how often would I need to see you?
> >
> >Would other therapies be needed
> >
> >26-Will the disease or treatment affect my ability to work or care for
> >
> >my family
> >
> >27-will my insurance or managed care plan cover the costs of treatment.
> >
> >
> >
> >GENERAL QUESTIONS TO ASK
> >
> >
> >
> >1- HOw much experience does my oncologist have with this particular
> >
> >cancer
> >
> >2-What about 2nd opinions
> >
> >3-Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me
> >
> >4-what is the best time to call you if I have a question
> >
> >5-what about support groups
> >
> >
> >
> >AFTER TREATMENT IS COMPLETED
> >
> >
> >
> >1-What kind of diet should I have
> >
> >2-What kind of exercise should I do
> >
> >3-What precautions should I take regarding general healthcare, diet and
> >
> >exercise.
> >
> >
> >
> >HOpe this comprehensive questionnaire benefits you in your quest to
> >
> >learn, be educated so that you can take charge and proceed with your
> >
> >wellness plans.
> >
> >
> >
> >God Bless
> >
> >marty auslander
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