How can I keep track of my healthcare during cancer treatment?

A health journal can help you prepare for your next visit with a member of your health care team. It can also help you to keep all of your team members informed about medications, treatments, and other important information.

The following steps can help in keeping track of your health care:

• Write down everything you want to ask your health care team. You can make notes and keep track of questions between visits.
• Make a list of your medications. Bring this information to the visit along with all of your medication bottles. This will help the health care team keep track of all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and over-the-counter medications.
• Take notes during health care appointments.
• Keep all of your health records together and bring this information with you to health care appointments.
• Bring extra copies of important documents to give to appropriate health care team members. You can also fax or mail these before your appointment. Having the health care team read your documents may be an easier way for you to communicate.
• Store pamphlets, information about medication side effects and important phone numbers in your notebook so that everything is in one place.