What should I ask?

Hi there, sorry to hear you’re going through this. I must admit, I went to my appointment on my own and I do regret it.  I could have done with a second person to help me take it in, and I wish I hadn’t had to drive myself home.  Do take a notebook, write everything down and don't be afraid to ask them to repeat anything you miss or explain again if it gets too complicated.

I'd focus on asking about the treatment plan and the timing of this, and any implications or side effects.  Sometime there are choices, sometimes I think they are more clear with advice, but don't be rushed into any decision you’re not ready for.

Good luck.

Thank you for replying

I've arranged for a Plan B to get home if I don't feel up to it. I might be being a fool to myself because I have people who would come with but I don't want to put them through the waiting and upset. Someone I know said the worst thing about her diagnosis was the terrible look on her husband's face and that has stuck with me.

I'm going to ask for next steps and maybe a tick/Cross system to my questions so I'm not faffing trying to record it all. More tests, surgery, timing, choices, type etc 

Thanks for helping. You're so kind xx

Hi, I just thought that this info on the Macmillan website might also be useful.  Questions to ask - link here. Best wishes 

To Careykins

Nothing to add to what you ask but I do advise you plan and take in a written list. I often give them my written list plus what I want them to know about me and ask them to put it in the file. Of course we are all different but my adult  daughter was very upset when she discovered I had been to the initial appointments without telling her. She subsequently came to every appointment and  to my chemo sessions, she brought work with her. It was also because of her that a mistake in my treatment plan was picked up. See my profile. Both she and my husband were amazing. Plus it is difficult when you are feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable to be your own best advocate. But that said we are all different and in different situations and you are the best judge of yours x

Thank you

My husband really doesn't want me to go on my own either. My line manager is the loveliest person ever and has offered several times to go with me so I've taken her up on her kind offer. She can take the burden of updating work off me too, if there's anything nasty to report that is. I feel bad for dragging her into a potentially horrible situation though.

Thank you for the advice x