Every cancer journey is unique, but having support can be beneficial for any patient. It's a good idea to bring a relative or friend with you to your first appointment. They can provide emotional support, listen, and help take notes on the information discussed. Having someone else there can help you remember details later on.
Take Notes
During your first oncology appointment, you will receive a lot of information that may be difficult to remember. To ensure you don’t miss anything, we suggest keeping a notebook handy to record important information. This notebook can be used to include notes on how you’re feeling and the schedule of any medications or supplements you’re taking. It’s also a good place to jot down any questions, thoughts, or observations you have between appointments with your cancer care team. Try to date your entries to help keep your thoughts and notes organized.
If you prefer another method, such as taking notes on your smartphone, try that. Whatever method works best for you is fine—just pick one method and be consistent with it. Having well-documented information is one of the best ways to maintain open communication between you, your doctors, and your caretakers.
