by Jane Bissell
Information may be power, but it can also be overwhelming. We need it so that we can make well informed decisions about important matters, however in this access-all-hours-overload of information everywhere, it can be too much. Add in the stress of the situation at hand, and you have a recipe for overload.
A diagnosis of breast cancer brings with it a veritable ton of information, and most of this, if not all, needs to be gone through and understood within a short space of time. Decisions need to be made and there may be pressure, urgency, to do so.
Cancer is a serious illness, and our medical professionals are very busy. Information comes thick and fast, and then it's up to us to make sense of it, and make the best decisions we can for ourselves, based upon what we know.
A cancer diagnosis is often never expected and brings with it a wealth of terminology we just aren't used to hearing. Seeking explanations from medical professionals can often clarify, but may increase confusion too if we don't know the right questions to ask, and often we're so addled during consultations we simply cannot take it all in anyway.
So what to do? Here are a few tips:
1. Don't be afraid to ask questions, as many as you need to, and keep asking until you receive an answer you understand.
2. Write stuff down - or have someone with you who will do this for you. Some doctors will allow you to record the consult but do ask permission first.
3. Find a notebook or exercise book. Write questions down before your consult, and write information down during the consult in the same book. That way all the information is in one place. Pop any brochures or extra pages into the notebook.
4. Take someone with you. Another pair of ears can really help, and they can take notes too. Go for coffee afterwards so you can debrief. Sometimes you hear things differently, so compare notes.
5. Try not to use Dr.Google too much. Resist the online temptation, referring your questions to your medical team instead. Your situation is unique to you. Your teams knows this and will recommend treatment appropriately.
6. If you need to just download and talk things through, Breast Cancer Support Aotearoa offers their 0800 273 222, 24/7, number where you can talk to someone who's been through it. They do not give medical advice but can help you sift through information and process what you've been told in consultations.
Take your time. Look at the information slowly and carefully. Take it in. Note the aspects you aren't feeling comfortable with and discuss with your medical team.
Always remember that information, whole and complete, will empower you to make decisions about your cancer treatment and care, and will give you back some control over what is happening - and that's important too.
