I watched 2 podcasts by Liz last night. I realised that what I needed, the approach I needed, from the doctors, nurses and other health professionals differed at each stage and will probably continue to be so as my treatment continues. At times I need blunt honesty (when asking questions), at times a gentle and empathetic approach (when in pain or fearful) and at times I use dark humour to shield me from the worst of things (usually when facing a new bump along this rough road we travel).
I think what we need as patients is for the medical team to take our lead as each appointment and each patient will be different.
That said, I have immense respect for each and every of the medical team I have had the fortune to be involved with, not only do they provide treatment but they rely on us to tell them what we need of them, even as we don't really know ourselves.
