Regardless of whether this is your first time discussing chemo with your doctor or you’ve been through it before, you need to be prepared. The following tips may be new to you, or may simply serve as a reminder to help you communicate with your doctor and get the most out of your visit.
- Write questions down ahead of time and bring them with you
- Ask a friend or family member to join you at your doctor’s appointments. This person can help you understand what you discuss and recall parts of the conversation with your doctor
- Take notes. Better yet, have your friend or family member jot down important information
- Find out if your doctor has printed information on your type of breast cancer and its treatment options
- Ask your doctor to speak at a speed that allows you to record the key points of the discussion
- Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on topics or words that you may not understand
- Bring a tape recorder to your visit if your doctor doesn’t mind. Take notes from the tape when you get home from your visit