Talking to your doctor and nurse can be difficult if you have cancer. No matter what your diagnosis, simply hearing about it can leave you feeling frightened or overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make communicating easier.
Studies have shown that clear communication between you and your health care team can help you feel better about your choices, and can even improve the quality of care you receive.
Remember: You are the consumer
As a patient, it is important to remember that you are a consumer of health care. Just as you would not purchase a car without asking questions, neither should you be afraid to ask questions about your doctor or your treatments. The way to begin making difficult decisions about health care is to educate yourself.
Following are tips that can help you talk to your doctor:
- 1. Bring someone with you. It may not seem necessary, but it is always helpful to have support, a second set of ears, and another person to think of questions.
- 2. Write out a list of questions beforehand. When you are discussing something as important as your health, it is easy to become nervous or upset. A list will help you remember important questions. Make them specific and brief because your doctor has limited time. Ask your most important questions first.
- 3. Write down the answers you get. Writing down answers will help you remember your doctor's responses and instructions, and will help you understand as much later as you did during the visit. Sometimes it is helpful to bring along someone who can just take notes while you and your caregiver just listen.
- 4. If possible, bring a tape recorder. It is OK to ask your doctor if you can tape record your visit. Taping is helpful because you may find yourself wanting to hear a reassurance or diagnosis again, or share it with friends and family.
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