When I adopted a pair of twins, one of the first things that struck me was how many doctor's appointments they needed to go to. As we took them to all of their baby well-checks, I realised that these appointments were designed to find and address issues early before they caused other problems. Fortunately, our family paediatrician found a few critical problems that we were able to resolve head-on, and it was immensely helpful. Check out this blog for information about health care, preventative care, and helping your child to enjoy a better life. I know that some of these tips helped me, and I know that they can help you too.
Once a patient is given a cancer diagnosis, the next step is to schedule an appointment with an oncologist. It is important that you gather all of your relevant medical history, as well as any test results so that the oncologist can review them. After you've taken the time to put together the necessary paperwork, you'll want to create a list of questions to ask the doctor. This list will keep you focused so that you leave feeling good about the oncologist and your treatment plan.
Will I Need Any Further Diagnostic Tests or Procedures?
Although you have already been told you have cancer, there may be some additional testing that needs to take place in order to determine at what stage the cancer is classified, the exact location of a tumor, or whether the cancer has spread to other areas. This may be something as simple as a PET scan or something a little more involved, such as a biopsy of your lymph nodes.
What Are My Treatment Options?
In many cancer cases, there is more than one treatment option available. Make sure you ask your oncologist to explain each option and discuss with you why one treatment is preferred over another. You'll also want to go over how long each treatment takes. Ultimately, the choice is up to you, so you'll want to have all of the facts in order to make an informed decision.
Will There Be Side Effects and What Can You Do About Them?
Depending on the treatment you and your oncologist agree upon, you may experience some side effects. Fortunately, there are a few things your doctor can do to help you overcome those side effects. For example, chemotherapy may cause nausea, but your oncology physician can prescribe you a medication to take on the days you have chemotherapy to relieve you of the nausea. Another example would be B-12 shots that are great for increasing your energy when you feel worn out and tired.
What Affect on My Daily Life Will the Treatment Have?
Planning ahead will help you get through this most difficult time. Your oncologist will be able to give you an idea as to how the specific course of treatment you are going to undergo will have on your everyday life so that you can make all the necessary arrangements. You may need to ask family members to drive you to and from your appointments, or you may have days when you need a friend to cook you dinner.
Share16 December 2016
