Having confidence in your treatment and health care team may ease some of your anxiety. If you can, seek out a doctor who is a good 'fit' for you, someone who gives you the kind of medical care, information and support you need. Try to change doctors if the one you are seeing is not treating you in a way that meets your needs.

It can be difficult to assert your needs with health professionals. Remember you are the most important person on the health care team, and that you have the right to have them work with you.

"Never be afraid to ask questions. If there is something you need, ask. If they say no, you haven't lost anything." - Anne-Marie

Absorbing the information being given to you, and remembering to ask all of your questions during a short doctor's appointment can be overwhelming. Here are a few ideas other women with cancer have had for keeping track of what your doctors say and making sure you get the information you need:

• Take a supporter along, a friend or family member.



• Make a detailed list of your questions with space for answers. Have a copy for yourself, one for your supporter and one for the doctor. Your supporter may be able to take the most detailed notes. If something does not make sense to you, ask the question differently, or ask the doctor to explain the answer in a different way. Check your understanding of what was said by repeating the information back to the doctor.



• Imagine what is being explained to you in as much detail as you can. Your doctor may be able to draw or give you a picture that will help.



• Take a tape recorder with you, and let the doctor know you want to record what is said. This saves you from taking notes. It also allows other family members or friends who want to understand more about your situation to hear the conversation between you and your physician themselves, if you want them to.



• Ask the specialist's office to send all reports to your family physician. Your family physician might have more time to talk with you about your feelings, test results, and options.

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