The Complete Cancer Organizer. Jamie Schwachter

       Friends & Family

      We often hear from patients that once they were diagnosed with cancer it seems everyone they talk to has a cancer story to relate. Some of these stories are helpful and can be good sources of information and support. Others may be passing on information that is incorrect or sharing experiences that produce more anxiety and fear.

      Consider the source:

      • Do you know the person giving you the information?

      • Are they trustworthy?

      • Do they have a medical background with expertise in cancer care? Not all medical professionals know everything about all healthcare issues.

      • Have they had cancer themselves or have been a caregiver for someone with cancer?

      Remember, most often family and friends are speaking from their experiences, not their expertise. They may have good intentions, but it is fine to politely tell them that you’d prefer not to discuss issues related to cancer if you could use a break from the unsolicited advice.

       At a Doctor’s Visit

      Depending on which type of doctor or health team member you are seeing, you should expect to get information related to the part they will play in your care during cancer treatment. The surgeon and his/her team will discuss care, treatment, and what to expect from surgery. The radiation oncologist and his/her team will discuss care, treatment, and what to expect from radiation therapy. The medical oncologist and his/her team will discuss whether or not chemotherapy or other systemic treatment is needed.

      What to Bring to Your Doctor’s Visit

      

      

A current list of your medications with dosages.

      

A list of any over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

      

Any information from another specialist to which the doctor you are seeing might not have access. This could include:

      

Information about your medical history, prior surgeries with dates, other medical conditions.

      

Pathology reports, radiology reports, lab results.

      

Consultation notes.

      

A disc with images from scans or X-rays.

      

A written list of questions. Take the list out when you see the doctor and review it again before leaving the office to check if you covered the questions on your list.

      

Bring a second set of ears (someone with whom you are comfortable hearing the information and asking questions).

      

Consider tape recording the visit; however, be sure that everyone in the room is aware and that it’s okay for you to record the conversation.

      

Insurance cards.

      

A notebook to take notes.

      

A calendar.

      Visit www.sprypub.com/CancerOrganizer to download.

      Medication List

      Medication List for: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Medication name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Dosage: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Directions: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Reason for taking: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Prescribing doctor: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      

       Medication name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Dosage: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Directions: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Reason for taking: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Prescribing doctor: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      

       Medication name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Dosage: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Directions: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Reason for taking: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Prescribing doctor: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      

       Medication name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Dosage: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Directions: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Reason for taking: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Prescribing doctor: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      Visit