- It may be helpful to have a family member or friend go with you to
doctors' appointments or to therapy appointments. Having someone go with
you can make the visits less stressful and can help you remember what the
doctor tells you. On the other hand, you may prefer to be by yourself
when you receive information. The choice is yours.
People I might like to go with me to appointments:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
- Take notes during the visit and/or take a tape recorder with you. Be
sure to ask your doctor in advance if it okay for you to tape the
conversation. Explain to your doctor that it would help you to
understand better and to follow her or his advice.
Doctors visits I would like to tape record:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
- Ask for an explanation of words that you do not know. (Or, check the
Glossary in this section.) As a new word is
mentioned, write it down.
Words I don't understand:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
- If you want more information, ask how you can get it. Your nurse or
doctor can tell you about pamphlets, books, videotapes or other things
that can help you understand the procedure or treatment he or she is
explaining. Your public library, medical library (at a local college or
university), or local video store may be good sources of information.
The Cancer Information area on this Web site
is a good reference point. Maybe you really don't want to know more, but
would feel better if a member of your family or a friend know the
information. Work this out with that person ahead of time.
Information that I would like to have and where I can find it:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
- Repeat to the healthcare provider what you thought she or he said.
This will let that person know what you heard. Then, if needed, she or
he can clear up any confusion.
Things that I would like to remember to ask about at my next visit:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
- Sometimes the people who are most helpful are those who have been
through a similar experience. Ask your doctor or nurse for the names and
phone numbers of people who have the same type of cancer that you have
and who have agreed that they would be willing to visit with other
patients like you.
Names and phone numbers of people who have the same type of cancer that I
have and are willing to speak with me:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
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