I know it can be frustrating. You wait what feels like an eternity in a hospital or doctor’s office. Your name is finally called for your appointment. And it feels like your personal time with your doctor, nurse and other health care team members is over in an instant.
We hear from patients all the time that they feel like “they blink and it’s over”. And you forget to ask some key questions. Or maybe didn’t quite understand what the team is trying to tell you.
Here are some helpful tips to maximize your appointments at a cancer center.
TIP 1
Be Prepared!
One piece of advice that I always remember from one of our Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) members is to prepare. Our PFAC member treats each doctor’s visit like she is going into a business meeting. She brings a pen and paper with her so that she can write down what the doctor says so that she doesn’t forget what her doctor talked about by the time she gets to the parking lot.
Some things you might want to do to prepare are:
- What are the top three things you want to discuss at your appointment?
- Have you done your ‘homework’ – monitored your symptoms, side-effects? Have you researched any drug information that you wanted to talk to your doctor about?
- Try to manage your anxiety the day of your appointment (deep breathing in the waiting area, walking to clear your head the evening or morning before your appointment, eating a good breakfast can also help).
TIP 2
Don’t make assumptions
Sometimes different healthcare teams don’t always have the time to communicate everything about your file or medical history.
Bring a list of medications or treatments to remind your healthcare team. This is also helpful for when you visit your family doctor.
You are you own best advocate! If you feel that the doctor or nurse did not talk about something that you are concerned about or is bugging you – make sure you ask.
Also, remember that cancer treatment centres are often teaching hospitals with different residents and medical students. The resident, medical student or nurse you see today — who is working with your oncologist (cancer doctor) may not be the same medical team you saw at your last appointment.
If you are a patient at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre you can have electronic access to your doctor notes and test results with MyChart.
For more information on MyChart call 416-480-6794 email mychart@sunnybrook.ca
TIP 3
Bring someone with you (if you can)
Most adults retain about 60% of what is communicated to them in medical appointments. Low health literacy is common for many adults.
Caregivers or family members can pick up key pieces that you might miss.
If English is not your primary language try to bring someone, if you can, who is fluent in English. Most cancer centres and hospitals have translation services that can be arranged before you or your loved one’s appointment if needed. Make sure to ask your nursing team about this or even the reception staff when you arrive.
TIP 4
Ask the Questions You Need
Try to push yourself to ask questions that you might find embarrassing or uncomfortable. Cancer and cancer treatments can affect your body and well-being in different ways. Cancer can affect your sex life, your mental health and many different bodily functions.
Some people might find it difficult to talk about their depression, their orgasms or their diarrhea with others. Remember mental health and sexual health is part of your overall health. Your health care treatment team can help with strategies on how to manage some of these side-effects.
There are no stupid or embarrassing questions. This is your body and your health.
Cancer can also be a financial burden on the patient and the family. If you are struggling financially there is help out there. Most cancer centres have social workers that you can book appointments with. Social workers can connect you to programs to help cover the cost of certain medications, help with transportation costs or even connect you to resources in the community like food banks.
At the Odette Cancer Centre/ Sunnybrook patients can self-refer to the Patient and Family Support Program by visiting T-wing, ground floor, room 230 or by phoning 416-480-4623.
To learn about other financial resources available in your region call the Canadian Cancer Society 1-888-939-3333 and connect with an information specialist or look up the ‘community services locator’ on their website www.cancer.ca
TIP 5
Call out the jargon!
Health care professionals (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc.) often use medical or academic/scientific jargon without realizing it.
Ask for explanations from your doctor in plain language so that you can understand.
Ask for booklets, brochures you can read later or even videos that you access from home if you want to learn more about your cancer or cancer treatments after your appointment.
Most cancer treatment centres have nursing phone lines that you can call if you have any medical based questions in-between appointments. Ask your doctor or nurse at your next appointment if there is a nursing phone number you can call when you have questions or concerns.
Remember that Cancer is a complex illness and not to be too hard on yourself! Use the services available to you like patient libraries and learning centres, patient and family support programs and community-based organizations related to cancer. We are all here to help you.
Jason Oliver, M.Ed.
Patient Education Specialist, Odette Cancer Centre
Regional Lead, Patient Education, Toronto Central North LHIN
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre,
