Visiting Your Surgeon for Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Assimilating all of the information that your doctor will provide during your first visit following your diagnosis and/or surgery is a challenge to even the most attentive listener. The stress of the diagnosis often blocks the listener's ability to hear and understand the prognosis, the treatment, and the various options that are available. Gather your questions before you meet with your doctor. Come prepared with a notebook and pen. Some prefer to tape record the dialogue. Bring a family member or friend to provide an extra set of ears.
My husband and my daughter Rebecca accompanied me to the oncologist on the day I learned twenty-eight out of thirty-three lymph nodes had tested positive. As the oncologist cited the lab report, a sea of fear engulfed me and I heard nothing else that she said. Although I nodded politely and made eye contact, my mind replayed the test results.
At some point I finally told the doctor, "I haven't heard a thing you've said. Let's start over." With pen and pad I diligently wrote everything the doctor said in an effort to stay focused and to record information that I would later need to revisit.
