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Nurses work with you and your caregivers throughout your treatment. They are your partners in the battle against cancer – let them be. They are a wonderful source of information and strength. Here are 10 tips from nurses in the cancer field that will help you prepare for your cancer journey and get the most out your relationship with them.
1. Get to know the nurses. Your nurses can be your best advocate and can answer most of your questions in a timely manner. Most likely, you will spend more time with the nurses than the doctor so use this to your advantage.
2. Keep your scheduled appointments. All offices are busy. Show up on time for your scheduled appointments. When you have your treatment plan mapped out, put all your appointments on your calendar and plan other activities around your treatment. Delaying or missing an appointment can make your treatment less effective. If you need to reschedule, let the medical center know as soon as possible so alternative arrangements can be made.
3. Be honest all the time. Your medical team needs to know what it going on with you physically and emotionally and you have to tell them. Report all symptoms. Sometimes people forget their pills. If you are in pain, let the nurse know, it is not complaining. If the upcoming treatment has kept you up worrying all night, that is an important piece of information. Nurses have seen a lot of patients, take advantage of their experience.
4. Never be afraid to ask questions. If you do not understand something, ask for an explanation. It is OK to ask for the doctor and nurses to repeat his answer and request explanations and definitions of medical terms. They understand that the information you are being given is complicated. If you have a lot of questions, schedule extra time with the doctor for your appointment and let the doctor know early in the appointment what your concerns are.
5. Be organized and come prepared. Have a notebook with sections for each doctor and write down questions before your appointments. Bring a Cancer Treatment Plan to keep track of your treatment schedule and also write up your side effects and other symptoms.
6. Bring a family member or friend with you to appointments. Two sets of ears are better than one. Always have paper and pen to write down information.
7. Keep lists of recent tests, medications and contact information with for all appointments. Provide each doctor with information on your health history and lifestyle, including the use of over-counter medications and supplements and complementary care. Get and keep copies of all your films and reports with you. The Cancer Matters website has a “Helpful Forms” section on the website to help you with this paperwork.
8. You are an important part of your medical team. The doctors will treat the disease but should treat you as a person. You are in charge of your health and your life. You are a part of your medical team and should be comfortable speaking up on your behalf.
9. Take care of your emotional health. You will have many different feelings during your cancer journey and common emotions that go with cancer diagnosis are fear, anxiety, worry, anger, denial, depression, grief and loss. Sometimes it is easier to share the emotional burden with friends and family or sometimes it is easier to find a support group with fellow cancer patients that are going through the same journey. Remember these feelings are normal. Talk with your doctor if your emotions turn into depression because an antidepressant may benefit you during this time. There are many resources for you on the Cancer Matters website in the “Local Resources” section that can help you.
10. Express your gratitude. Nurses (like anyone else) will appreciate it when you let them know they have done a good job or made your day a little easier.
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