Ep #24: What Your Oncologist Wants You To Know

Cancer From A to Z with Dr. Rosalyn Morrell

Getting a cancer diagnosis can be a very uncertain time in someone’s life. Questions can arise as thoughts and minds race to understand the news. With all of that uncertainty, sometimes we may forget some of the basic things we need to know for an appointment with a physician. We understand and it can be a lot to take in. In this episode, we are going to cover what your oncologist wants you to know to make your time with them easier.

Listen in to learn about six crucial things to know when visiting your oncologist. You will hear some advice you may already know and some advice you may have never thought about.

Save this episode for future reference or share it with those you know and you can use it as a quick checklist to be prepared for your next visit.

What You’ll Learn:

• The importance of knowing your past medical history when meeting with your medical physician. (1.29)
• Why physicians need to know your list of medications. (2:55)
• Overcoming language barriers. (4:00)
• As physicians, we are completely ok if patients want to seek a second opinion. (6:06)
• Why I believe it’s better to ask more questions. (8:12)
• Honesty is nothing to be embarrassed about. (10:33)
• I share my final thoughts. (12:23)

Ideas Worth Sharing:

“It is probably safe to not assume that the physician you are seeing or their office staff speaks your language…if English is not your primary language.” - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell

“If you hear from another physician the same thing that I’ve told you, then that kind of makes it a little bit easier for you to decide—and that’s totally ok.” - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell

“The more comfortable you are with what we are recommending, the better everyone is going to be in terms of the relationship and even in terms of the treatment outcome.” - Dr. Rosalyn Morrell

Resources:

• Rosalyn Morrell, MD: Website

https://www.centerpointoncology.com/

• Caregiver Websitehttps://www.caregiver.org/