Cancer : Getting the Most From Your Follow-up Visits

by National Cancer Institute

(Page 3 of 16)

Tips: Getting the Most From Your Follow-up Visits

How do you get the most from your doctor visits? Here are some ideas that have helped others deal with their follow-up care:

Ask someone to come with you to your doctor visit. A friend or family member can help you think about and understand what was said. He or she also may think of new questions to ask.

Bring paper or a tape recorder to make note of the answers the doctor gives you.

Ask your most important questions first in case the doctor runs out of time. Don't be afraid to ask the doctor if you can schedule more time when you set up your next appointment. Or ask the doctor to suggest a time when you could call and get answers to your questions.

Ask to talk with the doctor or nurse in a private room, with the door closed.

Express yourself clearly. Describe your problem or concern briefly. Tell the doctor how your problem or concern makes you feel. Ask for what you want or need. Example: "I am tired most of the time each day. I've tried napping, but it does not help. My fatigue gets in the way of my daily life, which makes me upset and angry. I would like you to help me treat this problem or refer me to someone who can help."

Tell your doctor how much you want to know. Tell him/her when you've heard enough or when you want more information. Ask for booklets or other materials to read at home.

Make sure you understand the doctor's answers. Repeat in your own words what you think the doctor meant. Ask the doctor to explain what he or she said in terms you understand.

If you find you cannot get answers to your questions, let your doctor know you're unhappy about it. If that does not get results, you may want to try to find a new doctor. This can be hard to do, but getting the information you need is important for your health.

Ask your pharmacist about how to take your medicines correctly or about possible side effects.

Keep your own set of records about the follow-up care you get.

Tell any other doctor you see about your history of cancer. The type of cancer you had and your treatment can affect decisions about your care in the future. Other doctors you see may not know about your cancer and its treatment unless you tell them.

Your Medical Records

Make sure to get a copy of your cancer treatment records or a summary. (You may be charged for these.) By keeping your records up to date, you'll have enough information to share with any new doctors you may see.

If you don't keep a copy, your records might be spread among many doctors' offices, and key facts about your cancer history could be lost.

Here are the key types of records you'll want to keep:

• The type of cancer you were treated for
• When you were diagnosed
• Details of all cancer treatment (including all surgeries; names and doses of all drugs; sites and total amounts of radiation therapy; and places and dates of treatment)
• Key lab reports, pathology reports, and x-ray reports
• Contact information for all health professionals involved in your treatment and follow-up care
• Any problems that occurred after treatment
• Information on supportive care you had (such as special medications, emotional support, and nutritional supplements)

Professional Support Services You May Need

Services to Think About

People who have had cancer agree that no one should have to go it alone after treatment. Your friends and family can help. Ask your doctor, nurse, social worker, or local cancer organization how to find services in your area like the ones listed below.

Clergy— Spiritual Counseling

Some members of the clergy are trained to help you deal with cancer concerns such as feeling alone, fear of death, searching for meaning, and doubts about faith.

Couples Counseling

You and your partner can work with trained specialists who can help you talk about problems, learn about each other's needs, and find ways to cope. Counseling may include issues related to sex and intimacy.

Family Support Programs

Your whole family may be involved in the healing process. In these programs, you and your family members participate in therapy sessions with trained specialists who can help you talk about problems, learn about each other's needs, and find answers.

Genetic Counseling

Trained specialists advise on whether to have gene testing for cancer and how to deal with the results. It can be helpful for you and for family members who have concerns for their own health.

Home Care Services

State and local governments offer many services useful after cancer treatment. A nurse or physical therapist may be able to come to your home. You also may be able to get help with housework or cooking. The phone book has contact numbers under Social Services, Health Services, or Aging Services—both nonprofit and for-profit.

Individual Counseling

Trained mental health specialists help you deal with your feelings, such as anger, sadness, and concern for your future.

Long-Term Follow-up Clinics

All doctors can offer follow-up care, but there are a few clinics that specialize in long-term follow-up after cancer. These clinics most often see people who are no longer being treated by an oncologist and who are considered disease-free. You may want to ask your doctor if there are follow-up cancer clinics in your area.

Nutritionists/Dietitians

They can help you with gaining or losing weight and with healthy eating.

Occupational Therapists

They can help you regain, develop, and build skills that are important for independent living. They can help you relearn how to do daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or feeding yourself after cancer treatment.

Oncology Social Workers

These professionals are trained to counsel you about ways to cope with treatment issues and family problems related to your cancer. They can tell you about resources and connect you with services in your area.

Pain Clinics (also called Pain and Palliative Care Services)

These are centers with professionals from many different fields who are specially trained in helping people get relief from pain.

Physical Therapists

Physical therapists are trained in the way that the body parts interact and work. They can teach you about proper exercises and body motions that can help you gain strength and mobility after treatment. They can also advise you about proper postures that help prevent injuries.

Smoking Cessation Services

Research shows that the more support you have in quitting smoking, the greater your chance for success. Many communities have "quit smoking" programs. Ask your doctor, nurse, social worker, or local hospital about what is available, or call 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).

Speech Therapists

Speech therapists can evaluate and treat any speech, language, or swallowing problems you may have after treatment.

Stress Management Programs

These programs teach ways to help you relax and take more control over stress. Hospitals, clinics, or local cancer organizations may offer such programs and classes.

Support Groups for Survivors

In-person and online groups enable survivors to interact with others in similar situations.

Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists

If you have disabilities or other special needs after treatment, these services can help you find suitable jobs. Such services include counseling, education and skills training, and help in obtaining and using assistive technology and tools.

About the Author

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