|
|
|
 |
Being
diagnosed with any kind of recurrence can be devastating. All the
feelings you experienced the first time around are back, but now you
not only don't trust your body, but you begin to wonder about your
doctors and treatment in general. A recurrence is not your
fault; it's the result of factors that we do not understand and cannot
control.
Learn more about the type of recurrence you have had in Understanding Your Cancer.
Learn how to treat your recurrence in Treatment Decisions.
|
|
|
| Learn how to talk to your children about cancer. |
Expand | Collapse
|
What do I tell my children? In general, it's wiser to be honest with your kids,
and to use the scary word cancer. If they don't hear it from you now, they're
bound to find it out some other way—they'll overhear a conversation when you
assume they're out of the room, or a friend or neighbor will inadvertently say
something. And when they hear it that way, it will be a lot more horrifying for
them. Children need to know they can trust you, and you don't want to do anything
to violate that trust. Also, remember to listen to their fears. If you find it
difficult to bring up the subject, there are children's books that can give you
a place to begin. You can learn more from CancerCare's "Helping
Children Understand Cancer" or
call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER and ask for a free copy
of "Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer and the People Who Care About
Them."
|
| Find support. |
Expand | Collapse
|
It's important to have a lot of support around you while you go through cancer
treatment. And it's important to allow yourself to feel lousy. Cancer is a life-threatening
illness, and the treatments are all emotionally and physically stressful; you
need to accept that and pamper yourself a bit. You don't have to be Superwoman.
Get help from your friends and family throughout the treatment. You may also
want to consider joining a
breast cancer support group. If there is no group in your area, or you don't
want to meet in person, you might want to consider joining an online support
group or bulletin board.
|
| Know what you want from your doctor. |
Expand | Collapse
|
Today there's much more emphasis on doctor and patient sharing the decision-making
process, and there are more options to choose from. Some women still want an "omniscient" doctor
to tell them what to do. Others prefer physicians who will discuss everything
with them. And still others want a great deal of information but prefer to
defer to the doctor for decision making. There is no right or wrong style,
so don't feel guilty if your needs are not the same as those of your friend
or neighbor. Remember, it's about what style works best for you.
Here are some questions to ask yourself about your doctor and medical team:
- Do they listen?
- Do they sit down, look you in the eye, and connect with you?
- Do they solicit and answer your questions?
- Do they show you X-rays and test reports and explain them if you ask?
- Do they allow you to tape the visit?
- Do they ask you whether you use alternative or complementary therapies?
- Do they suggest additional sources of education and support?
- Are they interested in new information you bring in?
- Do you feel like they are partners in this journey?
- Do they discuss clinical trials?
The answer to each of these questions should be "yes." If it's not, you should take the time to assess whether you feel you have the right doctor for you or if you should seek care from someone else. Cancer isn't easy. The last thing you need is a doctor who is going to make it even harder.
|
| Seek out information. |
Expand | Collapse
|
The Internet is wonderful for searching for information, but you need to be
a savvy surfer. Here are a few guidelines:
- Know who is sponsoring the site and whether they have anything to gain from the information given.
- Know the credentials of the person answering questions or giving medical advice.
- Check to see that the information is current.
-
Look to see if the information is backed up by references in scientific journals.
- If information that you get on a site disagrees with what your doctor has said, print out the page and bring it in to discuss with the doctor.
|
| Don't go to the doctor alone. |
Expand | Collapse
|
Bring someone with you when you go the doctor to learn about your options—a spouse or partner, a parent, a close friend. Ask them to take notes or taperecord what the doctor is saying. Have them ask the questions you are afraid to ask.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
