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Article Series: Cancer
Help Me Understand Cancer
Prostate
Cancer Questions For Your Specialist
Whether the doctor you're considering is a
urologist or an oncologist, it's a very good idea to ask him
some basic questions in person before signing up. Some men
who've had prostate cancer say that they wish they would've
asked more questions before agreeing to treatment, because
they believe that a more experienced doctor might have preserved
their sexual potency or provided them with better treatment.
Learn from their mistakes and ask questions. You're making
a pivotal decision, because the treatments the doctor provides
will have a significant effect on your life - hopefully, a
significantly positive effect!
Here are some questions to consider when talking to a urologist,
radiation oncologist, or medical oncologist, as well as any
other specialists you communicate with:
Have
you treated many cases of prostate cancer? This question
is more tactful than asking directly how many cases of cancer
the doctor has treated. But you may prefer the direct approach,
and that's okay, too.
The answer will usually generate a number (such
as, "I've
treated over a thousand cases since 1990") or some other
answer. Seek someone with experience. If the doctor is a surgeon,
he should perform at least 15 prostatectomies a year and have
several hundred or more under his belt.
About
what percentage of your prostate cancer patients are around
my age? This is important, because if you're 50 years
old, for example, and nearly all the doctor's patients have
been older than 70, he may be less knowledgeable about preserving
your sexual potency or your urinary continence than a doctor
who treats patients closer to your age.
What
are the possible side effects of the specific treatments
you recommend? The doctor should talk to you about possible
problems with impotence, mood swings, and other side effects.
If the doctor waves away your questions or tells you to ask
the nurse to explain everything, he's not the right doctor
for you.
What
is your success rate with the preservation of potency and
continence? If he cites "the literature," tell
him that you want to know about his results, not the general
results for all doctors.
Do
you see prostate cancer as a treatable illness? The answer should at least be a qualified "yes," because
you want to be treated by a doctor who's going to fight for
you,
even if your case is a difficult one. Of course, you need to
accept what he tells you, as well.
Now That You Have Chosen Your Specialist...
When you find a specialist you want to work with, it's vitally
important that you understand what the doctor proposes to do,
as well as what he wants you to do, and that you feel comfortable
conveying concerns and questions to him. You need to establish
a basic trust level and feel confident enough to ask the doctor
about worrisome issues.
You, like many people, may fear that you're "bothering" the
doctor when you ask him questions. Or you may worry that the
doctor will think that you're stupid or annoying if you ask
questions. This is rarely true. To communicate effectively
with your doctor, follow these basic hints:
1.
If you don't understand what your doctor says, don't say
that you do. If possible, rephrase what you
think he said,
and then ask if you understand him correctly. ("Doctor,
you're saying that I need to lose weight before surgery, correct?
If so, how much weight, and how fast do I need to lose it?")
2.
If you really don't get anything that your doctor says,
ask him to explain it again, but in very simple terms. It's
also a good idea to ask him to explain any words or phrases
that you don't understand.
3.
Tell your doctor that you're upset, and it's hard for you
to grasp what he's saying (assuming this is true). Ask if he
can explain it again at your next appointment.
4.
Bring your partner or a friend with you when the doctor
explains his treatment plan. They may be upset, because they
care about you, but they'll probably be able to listen better
than you can.
5.
Take notes when your doctor talks to you. Then ask him
about any points that are unclear to you.
6.
Ask your most important questions first. Don't ask major
questions last, when the doctor is walking out the door to
see other patients.
7.
When you start your treatment, be sure to tell your doctor
if you have problems. Listen carefully to his suggestions on
how to resolve them. # # # # #
SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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