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Pharmacy Links

YOUR CANCER YOUR LIFE – RIGHT TO HAVE QUESTIONS ANSWERED (IMPORTANT DECISIONS)

12th May 2009

Firstly, consider taking a trusted friend or relative with you each time you see your practitioner, especially if important decisions have to be made. Two heads are always better than one. This is especially true if you are anxious and frightened. These feelings are very natural and to be expected but they do make it more difficult to concentrate, think clearly and remember. The presence of a friend or relative will give you more confidence. Afterwards you will find that, between you, you have taken in and remembered much more than you would have on your own. Your friend or relative will also be in a good position to help you make decisions.

My next tip is to write down a list of questions beforehand and take them with you. Don’t be embarrassed about bringing out this list in front of your practitioner—you are under stress and you have a lot to remember. Your practitioner might give you some written information but, if not, it is almost impossible to remember everything, especially if you have only been told once. Therefore, bring a pen with you and write down the information that you want to remember. If you are finding it hard to get answers that are clear enough to write down, ask again until you do. Your practitioner may try harder to be clear once he or she sees that you are determined to get the answers.