Sometimes a visit to the oncologist may feel overwhelming, especially when you are not used to certain medical terms. Your parents, relatives or a good friend could accompany you to help you take in all the information the oncologist will share.
It is also useful to have a notebook to write things down, for example answers to the following questions, as cancer treatment can also affect memory:
1) How do you know I have cancer?
2) What kind of cancer do I have?
3) Where is the cancer?
4) Is the cancer anywhere else in my body?
5) What type of tests or procedures do I need?
6) How long will I receive treatment?
7) What is the chance of my cancer being cured?
8) How will treatment benefit me?
9) What can I expect during treatment?
10) Will there be side effects caused by the treatment?
11) If I need to stay in hospital how long will it be and may my family visit me?
12) Can a family member or friend come with me when I have treatment if I do not have to stay in the hospital?
13) Are there any things I am not allowed to do during treatment?
14) What will happen if I do not get treatment?
Source: “I have Cancer now what?” by Dr Annemarie Oberholzer and Dr Melanie van Aswegen
You may also find useful answers to frequently asked questions to chat to your oncologist about here…
Image Credit: Freepik
