Tips for Meeting With Your Doctor

• Make a list of your questions before each appointment. Some people keep a "running list" and write down new questions as they think of them. Make sure to have space on this list to write down the answers from your doctor or nurse.
• Bring a family member or trusted friend to your medical visits. This person can help you understand what the doctor or nurse says and talk with you about it after the visit is over.
• Ask all your questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question. If you do not understand an answer, keep asking until you do.
• Take notes. You can write them down or use a tape recorder. Later, you can review your notes and remember what was said.
• Ask for printed information about your type of cancer and chemotherapy.
• Let your doctor or nurse know how much information you want to know, when you want to learn it, and when you have learned enough. Some people want to learn everything they can about cancer and its treatment. Others only want a little information. The choice is yours.
• Find out how to contact your doctor or nurse in an emergency. This includes who to call and where to go.