Helping to Get Ready for Visits to the Doctor
Talking with the Doctor

You will be asked to do many things during your loved one's treatment. One of your main roles may be to help your loved one work with the health care team. You may be asked to go to doctor visits, among other things. A few tips are listed below.

Helping to Get Ready for Visits to the Doctor

• Keep a file or notebook of the patient's medical information. Include the dates of procedures and tests. Bring this file to doctor visits.
• Keep a list of names and doses of medicines and how often they are taken. Bring this list with you.
• Use only trusted sources if you do research for your loved one, such as government and national organizations.
• Make a list of questions and concerns. List the most important questions first.
• Call ahead of time to make sure of the following:
  • The doctor has copies of all needed test results, records, and other paperwork.
  • You have directions, transportation, and if needed, hotel information.
• If you and the patient have a lot to talk about with the doctor, ask whether:
  • You can have a longer appointment (check on fees for this).
  • You can talk to the doctor by phone if there are further questions. Or perhaps others on staff can help you. For example, a nurse may be able to answer many of your questions.
• Talk with your loved one before the visit to help prepare yourselves for the possibility that the information given could be different than what you both expect.

Talking with the Doctor

If your loved one takes you with him to talk with the doctor, here are some tips:

• If you don't like how a question was answered, tell the doctor that you need her to explain more to help you understand.
• Talk with the doctor about any medical advice you find. Some advice may be false or misleading, or may conflict with what the doctor has told your loved one.
• If a concern is not being addressed, ask the question in a different way. This may help the doctor understand your concern better.
• Take notes or ask if you can tape-record the visit.
• Know that your loved one has the right to change doctors if he feels his needs aren't being addressed.

Asking About Pain

Although different side effects happen with cancer treatment, many caregivers say the one thing they hesitate to ask about is pain. Yet, people who have their pain managed are able to focus on healing and on enjoying life. If someone is preoccupied by pain, you may notice personality changes. These might include being distant, not being able to sleep, or not being able to focus on daily activities.

The medical team should ask regularly about pain levels, but it's up to you and your loved one to be open about any pain. The patient does not have to be in pain or discomfort. Some people assume that there will always be severe pain with cancer treatment. This is not true. Pain can be managed throughout your loved one's treatment. The key is to talk regularly with the health care team about pain and other symptoms.

Sometimes people with cancer don't want to talk to their health care team about their pain. They worry that others will think that they are complaining or that pain means the cancer is getting worse. Or they think that pain is just something they have to accept. Sometimes people get used to the pain and forget what it's like to live without it.

This is when it is important for you to encourage your loved one to speak up. Or you can speak up on his behalf. Be honest with the doctor about pain and how it is affecting the daily routine. You and your loved one may need to have talks at different times to continue to feel comfortable about the pain medicines given. These drugs can also be adjusted or changed if they aren't working or are having unpleasant side effects.

Don't be afraid to ask for stronger pain relievers or larger doses if your loved one needs them. Addiction is rarely an issue in people with cancer. Instead, drugs help patients stay as comfortable as possible.

Should We Get a Second Opinion?

Some people worry that doctors will be offended if they ask for a second opinion. Usually the opposite is true. Most doctors welcome a second opinion. And many health insurance companies will pay for them.

If your loved one gets a second opinion, the doctor may agree with the first doctor's treatment plan. Or the second doctor may suggest another approach. Either way, your loved one has more information and perhaps a greater sense of control. You both can feel more confident about the decisions you make, knowing that you've looked at your options.

Back to Top

< Previous Section  |  Next Section >