HER2+ Advanced BC Liver Mets
Hi, in the last month i have been diagnosed with HER2+ advanced BC liver mets. This has been a massive shock to say the least. I am 46 yrs and have had problems with my left breast for over 12 mont...
Forum Discussion
Hi Melissa,
That's really tough news. A common theme here is difficulty communicating with oncologists and specialists. I've come to the conclusion , after 10 years of cancer experience, that many are scientists first and doctors second and what we generally expect in the way of bedside manner is beyond some of them. As long as they get the job we sometimes have to compromise a little.
Breast care nurses are terrific at translating technical stuff into bite size pieces, if your health service doesn't have one, ask if there are options to link with someone remotely. The nurses in the oncology wards are also very knowledgeable, they won't give you advice as such, but can help you get a list of questions together so you are not struggling to remember things when you have appointments. They can also help you with the language so your questions are more precise.
My standard advise is never get admitted to a hospital without a thermos mug and take your own teabags and coffee (or whatever you prefer) Calendars and diaries are a must--you need something that your family can access that has all the names and phone numbers of doctors, specialists and hospitals on it as well as upcoming appointments.
Grab cards from everyone you consult with and put the date you saw them on the back. It can all become a bit of a blur and I personally hate struggling to recall anyone's name.
Best of luck.
Marg
That's really tough news. A common theme here is difficulty communicating with oncologists and specialists. I've come to the conclusion , after 10 years of cancer experience, that many are scientists first and doctors second and what we generally expect in the way of bedside manner is beyond some of them. As long as they get the job we sometimes have to compromise a little.
Breast care nurses are terrific at translating technical stuff into bite size pieces, if your health service doesn't have one, ask if there are options to link with someone remotely. The nurses in the oncology wards are also very knowledgeable, they won't give you advice as such, but can help you get a list of questions together so you are not struggling to remember things when you have appointments. They can also help you with the language so your questions are more precise.
My standard advise is never get admitted to a hospital without a thermos mug and take your own teabags and coffee (or whatever you prefer) Calendars and diaries are a must--you need something that your family can access that has all the names and phone numbers of doctors, specialists and hospitals on it as well as upcoming appointments.
Grab cards from everyone you consult with and put the date you saw them on the back. It can all become a bit of a blur and I personally hate struggling to recall anyone's name.
Best of luck.
Marg