Preparing for Your Doctor's Visit:

Whether you are trying to find out if you have Hodgkin's, or possibly some other illness, or if you are planning on going to your latest appointment, the following advice, from NIH, cannot be taken too lightly. Going to the doctor can be such a routine for a cancer patient, or a scary burden for the undiagnosed, that we rarely think about it as a process. Please print this page and read it over before each of your appointments.

Be honest: It is tempting to say what you think the doctor wants to hear; for example, that you smoke less or eat a more balanced diet than you really do. Or that you take your medication when you really don't. While this is natural, it's not in your best interest. Your doctor can give you the best treatment only if you say what is really going on.

Stick to the point: Although your doctor might like to talk to you at length (and most Oncologists will, but general practitioners may not have time), each patient is given a limited amount of time. To make the best use of yours, stick to the point. Give the doctor a brief description of the symptom, when it started, how often it happens and if it is getting worse or better.

Ask questions: Asking questions is key to getting what you want from the visit. If you don't ask questions, your doctor may think that you understand why he or she is sending you for a test or that you don't want more information. Ask questions when you don't know the meaning of a word or when instructions aren't clear. You might want to say, "I want to make sure I understand, could you explain that a little further?" It may help to repeat what you think the doctor means in your own words and ask, "Is this correct?" Also, if you are worried about cost, say so.

Share your point of view: Your doctor needs to know what's working and what's not. He or she can't read your mind, so it is important that they hear from you.

Plan to update your doctor: Think of any important information you need to share with your doctor about things that have happened from your last visit (I used to write them down as on a list as a noticed them). Let your doctor know about any recent changes in the way your medication effects you.

Your doctor may ask how your life is going. This isn't just polite talk or an attempt to be nosy. Informatiion about what's happening in your life can be useful medically. Let the doctor know about any major changes or stresses in your life (as if cancer isn't stressful enough!), like moving, changing jobs, a loved one's death, change in relationship status, etc.

Remember, doctors don't know everything, and even the best doctor may not be able to answer some questions. There still is much that isn't known about the human body and disease. Most doctors will say when they don't have the answers. If a doctor regularly brushes off your questions or symptoms, think about looking for another doctor.

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