nerve's are starting again with upcoming appointment

Hey there

Take a friend or relation with you, so they can take notes for you.

Between now and then make a list of questions you want to ask. The following are just a few ideas....

1. Ask him what exactly you have. Name and what it means with regards to treatment And follow up.

2. Does he know when you’ll be having the operation. Again what it entails. ( he should explain what will be removed...)

3. How long will you be in hospital, how long before you can resume normal activities ( I know it’s different for everyone, but a guideline is good to have)

4. What will the after care consist of...tests, scans etc and at what time (I am just giving this example...every 3 or 6 months?)

5. Medication

Maybe others will add more questions, but anytime you think of something, jot it down. But it’s really important you take someone with you to listen and jot down the replies, so you can look back.

Between now and your appointment, get a few meals ready in the freezer, you won’t be up to cooking for a while. I’m not sure how old your kids are, but maybe organise a little rota of jobs they can do for you. Your throat will be sore and your voice won’t have much volume for a while.

Have plenty of cushions/pillows. Maybe a V shape one, as you’ll be sleeping fairly upright to start with. And when sitting, you’ll want to support your neck.

Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are good for pain, although I must say, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be....

Good luck

Hi Myabee

Just been reminded that you won’t be able to take anyone with you. So maybe ask your consultant if you can record the conversation. I’m sure they won’t mind. They want you to be clear about everything and that way you can listen to it later on. 

Take care.

PS send me an email sometime, it’s good to stay in touch. You’ll find it in you private message

I think it’s natural to get nervous before appointments! I know I start to imagine all sorts of symptoms and convince myself that the cancer has returned. From about 4 weeks prior to appointments my imaginary symptoms start, I start feeling my neck for enlarged lymph nodes, with all the prodding I do I probably cause them to swell! 

Your consultant is use to dealing with people who are scared and will explain things very carefully. I recommend writing down anything you would like to ask and put the piece of paper on the desk  so when you go in so you don’t forget.

Good Luck 

Hi runner25 thanks for advice  I find the only thing that is keeping me half sane is coming on here and speaking to people who are going through the same thing it's the not knowing that's killing meb but I don't won't to know at the same time if that makes any sense sorry for going on , I've got my note book out so going to start this list for consultant,poor man doesn't know what he's in for hee hee thanks again , keep well.