Bringing someone to appointments

Zoritsa

I was just diagnosed on Tuesday, and all I have learned so far is that it is ER+/PR-/HER2-. I have an appt. with a surgeon tonight, an appt. with a geneticist on Tuesday (most likely), and someone will be calling me to make my appt. for the advanced breast imaging.

I don't know what will be discussed tonight yet, so I don't know if I should bring someone along or not. I know I'll want someone along once more is known, but do I need someone at all my dr. appts? This surgeon hasn't seen me yet, since I switched from the one who ordered my biopsy last week.

Jelson

Zoritsa - of course it depends on what you are comfortable with, but NOW is the time to either bring someone with you - or bring a some type of recording device - as you are learning more about your diagnosis and treatment options. Of course you don't need someone with you on all of your doctor appts, but I found it most helpful in the early stages when you don't have all the info yet. The person with you can actually write down info from the discussion.

good luck with all of your appts.

Zoritsa

Thank you. I'll bring someone along then. I don't want to miss anything, or get overwhelmed with all this information.

Kicks

We are each different and what is 'right' for one, is not for all. In other words, do what you are the most comfortable with - not what someone else says you should do.

I took myself to all of my appts and TXs - my choice. There was only one appt that Hubby went to with me and the Dr actually sent him to the waiting room - good move on the Dr's part. The only reason he had gone to the appt was all the men at work were insisting that he HAD to take me to appts - WRONG, I was more comfortable taking myself. Once in the exam room all he did was sit and stare at his feet - Dr picked up on it. There is a bit of HX that goes back to his childhood - his Mom had died from Cervical Cancer when he was 9. I've always been very healthy (except for 2 C-sections) in our then 33 yr marriage. He and adult Son got together though and took over all house. (Hubby) and barn (Son) chores so I only did what I wanted to do.

Unless the person who goes with you to write info down has a background in medicine - their notes may not be exactly what the Dr said. Using your Smartphone (or a taperecorder) to record what the Dr says will be accurate and you can review the exact words used at a later time if needed.

Write down a list of all your questions/concerns. Make a 2nd copy to give to the Dr - he/she may be able to address some together rather than one at a time. If you don't understand the answer given -ask for (demand) clarification and understanding. Not every,question can be answered immediately - further testing/scans may be needed (or not all reports are back yet).

Just MY thoughts and experiences.