You Will Get Better Care

One reason you will get better care is the squeaky-wheel principle. If you speak up clearly about how you really feel and what is going on in your life, with your cancer and life in general, your needs are more likely to be heard and met.

Many of us are so conditioned to respond, “Fine,” when asked how we are, that we carry this over into appointments with an oncologist. But this is not the time for a stiff upper lip. Tell your doctor how you feel, physically, mentally, and emotionally. In addition, if you learn to actively manage your symptoms, by noticing and keeping track of them, you can give your doctor more accurate feedback that will help the doctor help you.

You will also get better care by being sharp enough to watch for medical mistakes and to speak up when something about your care doesn’t seem right. (See Medical Mistakes.)

@ Jeanne Sather 2006