What questions should you ask your medical team?

Often when we’re talking to those newly diagnosed there are some reoccurring messages around meeting with their treatment team……it’s overwhelming and hard to take in all the information or to remember what you wanted to ask!

Time and time again women recommend taking a loved one or friend along to appointments to help absorb some of the information that you may miss.

Today, through our Facebook page we posed the following:  ‘What questions would you recommend a newly diagnosed woman ask her medical team?’

We thought we would share some of the responses, and ask you to share your own, in the hope that any newly diagnosed women can benefit from your experiences.

“…ask for a written timeline of treatment plan. Go have a bit of a think then ask questions. For me, diagnosis to surgery took one week with loads of tests. I didn't feel the need to ask many questions: then I booked a week by the sea.” – Bridg

“Ask for the percentage of success stories. It will be one positive thing to take away with and give you hope in a traumatic time.” – Jenny

“You have more time than you think to make decisions. Take someone with you as a second set of ears. Have a notebook to take notes. No question is too silly.” – Amanda

“My Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and I think the best thing for her was having me and/or my sisters with her at the consultations to take in the loads of information.” - Suza

“Stay away from Google and the Internet. Your doctor and surgeon are your best source of applicable and accurate info. Net can be dangerously worrying and too much info. In Oz you get given sooo much reading material that you can trust and rely on – it’s enough. Definitely take relative or friend with you to all appointments.” - Lynette

“Take a notebook to each consultation to take notes. Don't be embarrassed, the doctors prefer that you do this. My oncologist actually writes notes as she is speaking, then hands it to me after the consultation is over.” - Gerrie

“Do you have a dietary specialist who is experienced in foods and supplements that will support my system during treatment?” - Tara

 

What questions would you recommend a newly diagnosed woman ask her medical team?