Communicating with Your Health Care Team

Dana Nolan, MS LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor

At Diagnosis

Patients with mesothelioma and caregivers may be unfamiliar with the processes and language of cancer care at diagnosis.

The oncology health care team understands

mesothelioma lingo and the processes of diagnosing and treating their patients.

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When and Where Do We Communicate with Our Health Care Team?

Initial Consultations

Follow-up doctor appointments

Treatment and chemo appointments

Hospital admissions

Diagnostic appointments

Phone calls

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Benefits of Good Communication

Patient and caregiver are more satisfied with their

care

Emotional satisfaction

Ability to better follow doctor’s instructions

Better symptom management

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Ways to Improve Communication with Your Health Care Team

Start a Journal:

Include copies of your lab results,

diagnostic reports, treatment schedules,

etc.

Consider logging how you feel daily (rate

your pain, shortness of breath, energy,

nausea).

Keep a list of you current medications.

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Improve Your Communication (Cont.)

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Take Notes and Ask Questions:

Write down what your oncologist tells you

during office visits.

Make a list of questions prior to your

appointment.

Sample Questions to Ask Your Oncologist

What type of mesothelioma do I have?

What stage is my cancer?

Where exactly is the cancer in my body?

What are my treatment plan options?

What is the plan if my current treatment option does

not work?

How will you determine if treatment is working?

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Sample Questions to Ask Your Oncologist (cont.)

What are the side effects of the proposed treatment?

How often will I receive scans or blood work?

Who do I call if I have questions or concerns after my

doctor’s appointment?

How will I know what are normal side effects versus

something serious?

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Ensuring You Understand Your Health Care Team

Don’t be afraid to stop the doctor or nurse and ask them to explain a medical term that you do not understand.

Bring a loved one with you to your appointments or treatment sessions if possible. Another set of ears may listen to something you missed.

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Ensuring You Understand Your Health Care Team (cont.)

Ask for written or online information so you can further understand your diagnosis and treatment plan.

Don’t be afraid to ask your oncologist about your

concerns or ask for a referral to a specialist for another opinion.

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Additional Resources to Help You Communicate with Your Oncology Health Care Team

http://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/MainMenu/About-

Cancer/Newly-Diagnosed/Partnering-with-Your-Healthcare-Team.html

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare

/communication/Patient/page1

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Conclusions

Decades ago, patients simply just followed their doctor’s instructions and didn’t feel comfortable

asking questions.

Today, mesothelioma patients and their caregivers want to have an open dialogue with their health care team.

Hopefully, the tips suggested here will help improve communication.

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Contact Information

1-800-615-2270

(800) 615-2270