Talking to Your Oncology Team

Have you ever returned home from a doctor’s visit realizing you forgot to ask an important question? Maybe you left feeling a little uncertain of whether they were listening to you, or you really needed a better understanding of your Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia diagnosis or treatment plan. Taking charge of your health and taking an active role means good communication between you and your health care team. Communication is crucial on any team, and this includes you, your doctors, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, caregiver, and other healthcare providers. Here are a few ideas to help you keep those communication lines open and be more prepared with your team for every appointment.

• Make a list of things you want to discuss with your care team and bring it with you to your appointment. Put them in order of what is most important to you.
• Ask questions and take notes during your appointment or record your conversations. It may be helpful to bring a trusted friend or family member with you.
• Keep good records. Find out how to access your medical health information (ex. medical summaries, test results, and digital copies of scans or x-rays) and secure your copies in a binder. 
• Bring a list of any and all medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking and list any allergies you may have. If you are given a new prescription, make sure to discuss any possible side effects and whether it will interfere with your current medications.
• Ask your care team if they have individual contact information available or the best way they can be reached.
• Ask if your care team has any books, pamphlets or videos they would recommend for you to read about your condition, or if they have any written information that you can take with you and read later. Download or order The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s free information booklets.
• Before you go, talk about and understand the next steps you need to take.

Need to talk through it?

We mentioned Pack Health in earlier blog posts. They still have a few spots available, so if these quick tips aren’t cutting it, a Health Advisor can help you find others that work for you. Pack Health pairs you with a personal Health Advisor who will help answer your questions, keep you motivated, and help you set achievable weekly goals. Your Health Advisor can also create meal and exercise plans, help coordinate grocery delivery services, and help find medication discounts.

If you have CLL and don’t yet have your own personal Health Advisor, click here to take advantage of grant funding and get your membership with Pack Health totally free, no payment info required.