Photo Credit: kupicoo / istockphoto.com
Go to Appointments
For people with cancer, their appointments can seem like a whirlwind of information presented in ways that trigger a sense of powerlessness and hopelessness in your loved one.
They may not even understand what is being said as they nod along, or they may forget all of the information expressed in the appointment due to the high emotional level. To support, offer to discuss the upcoming appointment, what they hope to achieve when going, and how you can assist.
Plan what questions to ask and take notes during the appointment to better recount what happened with the doctor. Your presence can empower the patient to advocate for their treatment while gaining a clearer understanding of their status.
You know your diagnosis and that you require treatment — so what’s with all of the crazy letters and numbers? Let's take a look at the stages of cancer.