Advocating for yourself as a cancer patient is crucial to your care plan. Oftentimes we hear of patients not understanding how to advocate for themselves. This then leads to confusion, frustration, and a poor routine. You and your doctors should make decisions as a team. When you take an active role in your diagnosis and treatment plan, you are in control of your health!
Ask Questions
Cancer is confusing and overwhelming amongst many other things. The terminology alone can be intimidating and hard to understand. Never be afraid to speak up for yourself and ask questions. Whether you need clarity on what something means, further information, or alternative options please ask!
Get A Second Opinion
Always get a second or even third opinion on your cancer diagnosis and treatment plan. No matter how confident in your doctor you are, it is always helpful to hear another professional’s view. The differences in diagnosis and treatment plans could be drastic. One of our CWC survivors was diagnosed with Stage 2 by one hospital / doctor. When she went to get a second opinion at another hospital, she was diagnosed with Stage 4. Her outcome could have been much different had she not gone for that second opinion.
Bring A Loved One To Appointments
We all know how overwhelming doctor appointments and treatments can be. There is a lot of information to take in during a stressful time. Bring a friend or family member with you to your appointments to help take in all of the information given to you. Ask this person to take notes of any important details.
Schedule Your Routine Checkups
Be proactive with scheduling your routine checkups. Never rely on a doctor’s office to reach out to you. Too often do patients slip through and are missed on scheduling their appointments. If a doctor’s office only schedules out so far, make yourself calendar reminders to schedule those further out appointments.
Don’t Avoid Symptoms
Keep track of your symptoms and note of any changes. We recommend keeping a daily or weekly log of how you are feeling. If there are any changes to your symptoms, small or large, report it to your doctor.
We hope you found these tips useful in advocating for your health.
With Love,
The Christmas Without Cancer Team
