Cancer: How You Can Discuss It With Your Physician
When you hear the words, "You have cancer." it can be shocking, upsetting and downright scary. No one wants to hear these words, but many people do. In the case you do get diagnosed with cancer, it is best you do all you can to fight this horrible disease. Working with your doctor can help both you and him in the battle of your life. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips you can use when discussing your disease with your physician.
First of all, you may want a second opinion. If you feel like you want to do this, do not be afraid of upsetting your doctor. This is your life and your health that you are dealing with so you should do whatever it is that makes you feel the most comfortable.
It is important that you learn about what stage your cancer is in. Your doctor will likely tell you this, but if not, ask him. The stage your cancer is in can make a huge difference in your treatment and the prognosis of your disease. Once you know the stage of your cancer, this will help you and the doctor make the best decisions for you.
Another thing you will want to discuss with your doctor is additional testing. He may tell you about additional testing that he wants done, if so, find out all you can about the different testing and what it will tell him and you. You can learn about this by talking to your doctor, the one doing the test, others who have been through it or by finding trusted sources online. You can also research different testing measures and find out if you would like to have that test done. If there is something you want and your doctor hasn't mentioned it, ask him about it. He may deem it not necessary, but will prescribe it for you as an added measure of diagnosis.
A big concern when you are diagnosed with cancer is the treatment. It is important to know what kind of treatment your doctor thinks is best. Talk to him about the treatment itself. How will the treatment take place? Where will it take place? How long will each treatment take? How long will the overall treatment take? What are the side effects of the treatment? Is there anything that can be done to help with the side effects? You may also want to know what will come next if the treatment you use is not working. Ask all the questions you have and find out what you want to know. This will help you prepare yourself for what is coming up.
Once you receive a cancer diagnosis there are probably many things running through your mind. It is best that you learn all you can about your cancer and what you will go through to get better. Use the tips shared here to help you discuss your condition with your doctor.
