How do you feel about your health care team?
Do you feel supported and heard by your care team? Do they give you the time to ask questions and address concerns? What have they done to make you feel prepared?
Share how you feel about your health care team here!
It seems like all doctors everywhere are in too much of a rush to see way too many patients in a day, there is no time for “extras”. My medical records are shared amongst my team at least. My primary care doctor actually reads them! I told my dermatologist I had lymphoma about ten years ago and have mentioned it in many conversations. I see him 1-4 times a year. At my last appointment I mentioned lymphoma and he was surprised to hear I have it. “Do we have that in her records?”, he asked his assistant. “No”, she said.
it's really tough to find out when a health care provider doesn't seem up to speed with the whole health picture. How did this make you feel? 
I am so greatly bothered by being "rushed." It can make you feel inhuman. I understand that doctors are busy, but it takes a lot for us to get to our appointments. And this is our life. We need this to be thorough. I will absolutely stop the doctor and make him or her listen to me. I had to really learn to speak up and advocate for myself. It's good that your team can all see your records. It's like that here in my hospital system.
I had to search for almost 3 years to find a doctor that supported me and listened to me and I’ve been with him for almost 30 years now. Fortunately, once you find one good one, they usually know other doctors of the same ilk. Not always, but there is a greater chance they’ll know someone who also listens and believes you. Still though, it’s always a crapshoot whether or not they will be caring and attentive. Doctors and nurses are still people, after all. Keep on keepin’ on, DPM
I guess I'm one of the few fortunate ones who has a doctor that asks me questions and listens. Actually, I can say I have really enjoyed having this luxury under the circumstances of Leukemia. Sure does make me feel like an important patient so to speak, as it also allows me, as a former paramedic, to ask questions and make it a learning process and experience as well.
My current doctor does, and I agree that it makes a world of difference! A doctor who knows how to listen and ask the right questions is invaluable. It's so important to be believed and trusted, too!
It took me a few times to get a doctor who gave me the care and concern that I truly needed. That is so priceless! It means so much to be heard. I am moving to Colorado in a few weeks, and the thought of having to get an entirely new care team gives me so much anxiety! LOL!
I hope that when you relocate, that you are able to find a cancer care team that you are happy with as well. It is so important to have a medical team that you can feel comfortable and safe with. It sure does take the unnecessary stress out of things, as there is enough of that having cancer as it is. Thank you so much! I will keep you all updated!
