If you are actively involved in your own care, you will have a better understanding of your disease process and what to expect in the future. Therefore, use this opportunity to get to know your own medical history better. Request a copy of your medical records (especially operative notes and pathology) and keep track of what procedures and treatments (such as type and number of chemotherapy cycles) you have received. Pay attention to changes in your health and the care you receive. Keeping a notebook in chronological order that includes separate sections for operative notes, pathology, chemotherapy, radiation records and/or treatment summaries, and results of recent blood and imaging tests is a good way to stay informed and to actively participate in your care. Update your notebook in real time so as not to forget any important information, and actively ask questions when you don’t understand something. Above all, strive to establish and maintain effective lines of communication with your support group and caregivers.
If you are actively involved in your own care, you will have a
better understanding of your disease process and what to expect in
the future. Therefore, use this opportunity to get to know your own
medical history better. Request a copy of...
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Dr. Nimesh Nagarsheth of The Mount Sinai Medical Center answered:If you are actively involved in your own care, you will have a better understanding of your disease process and what to expect in the future. Therefore, use this opportunity to get to know your own medical history better. Request a copy of your medical records (especially operative notes and pathology) and keep track of what procedures and treatments (such as type and number of chemotherapy cycles) you have received. Pay attention to changes in your health and the care you receive. Keeping a notebook in chronological order that includes separate sections for operative notes, pathology, chemotherapy, radiation records and/or treatment summaries, and results of recent blood and imaging tests is a good way to stay informed and to actively participate in your care. Update your notebook in real time so as not to forget any important information, and actively ask questions when you don’t understand something. Above all, strive to establish and maintain effective lines of communication with your support group and caregivers.
