Be an active participant in your medical care and all the decisions surrounding your cancer treatment. Health care is labor intensive and mistakes can be made. The more informed and participative the patient is, the better the cancer treatment outcome.
- Keep a running log of questions to ask your doctor and nurse. Make note of questions on your Breast Cancer Advocate iPhone App.
- Prior to signing any medical forms, read them carefully and ask any questions regarding your procedure.
- Bring a friend or relative to take notes during important cancer treatment appointments.
- Make sure your health care provider checks your identity before any:
- test
- medicine
- blood draw,
- treatment
- surgery
- procedure
- If you are in the hospital, you will have an ID band which contains your name, birthday and/or medical record number.
- Always book surgeries and procedures early in the morning and early in the week when medical practitioners are at their best.
- When having any surgery, test or procedure:
- Review the correct operating site with staff- (left arm, right arm?) and the procedure (biopsy, lumpectomy?)
- Remind the staff member of any medication allergies or x-ray dye allergies.
- A staff members should confirm your identification twice and ensure they have the correct medical record before they begin a procedure.
- Staff members should wash their hands frequently, especially between patients.
- If you are unhappy with your cancer treatment team, ask for another.
- Ask for a “night number” as you may have questions after receiving a cancer treatment.
- Don’t hesitate to stop a cancer treatment and ask for a consultation with a physician if you are unsure of a procedure.
- It is important to be firm but cooperative when dealing with medical staff. Being demanding and antagonistic does not ensure optimal cancer care.
- Keep a copy of your medical records, test results and physician/medical staff discussions.
- Always review medications and follow-up appointments and procedures before leaving the hospital.
- Always Google your hospital and physician to see if they’ve made the news and why!
