The Importance of Good Communications By Doctors

A good relationship with your doctor can make a difference in the treatment of your blood cancer. Good communications with your doctor can improve your ability to navigate the challenges of the disease and treatments throughout the journey ahead. However, when the doctor/patient relationship isn’t good, your anxiety may increase, further impacting your health and care.

Here are four articles by patient leaders living with blood cancer, talking about the doctor-patient relationship and calling on doctors to prioritize communications with their patients.

Doctor, Can You Hear Me?

by Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo
In her article, Yolanda proposes the short allocation of time between the patient and doctor gets in the way of getting necessary issues addressed.

"I’ve had incidents when I’ve had to talk to myself right afterward, puzzled with "was that them or me?" I’m not sure where the breakdown in communication comes in. However, I do have my theories. It’s very rare to find a doctor that gives you longer than 20 minutes to review your issue."

She suggests creating a list of concerns to go over with your doctor, because once they step out that door that’s it until the next visit. Read more.

Dr Who?

by Katelynn Bauer
In her article, Katelyn compares the qualities of the doctors she’s looked for to treat her blood cancer to television’s Dr. Who.
"Television's Dr. Who isn’t a medical professional at all. But he chose the name because he wanted to help people. When I thought about it, he had a lot of qualities that one should look for in their own doctor to treat their blood cancer."
A willingness to help, competency, access to the latest treatments and technology, and good communications are on Katelynn’s list for The Doctor. Read more here.

When Doctors Don’t Believe You

by Susan Gonsalves
Susan tells of yet another story of a doctor dismissing a someone's symptoms and discounting the possibility that she was having debilitating side effects from her treatment for CML.

"Doctors are humans, too and, though their profession is admirable, they need a little humility and it goes without saying they should offer understanding to their patients. People with chronic illnesses are just as worthy to be listened to as the people whose profession it is to help them."

Susan says, “don’t let anyone downplay what you are going through—ever.” Read more here.

Cancer - The Great Complicator

by Daniel Malito
In his article,Daniel makes the case for communication not only between the doctor and patient, but among members of the healthcare team, when treating his other health conditions, which of course are made more complicated by his cancer diagnosis.

"To say that cancer complicates things would be an understatement. Even if you are in remission, it always has to be thought of, and that is especially true when it comes to surgery. For surgery, each member of my basketball squad of doctors has to weigh in. It’s complicated and a mess and it usually takes all day."Read Daniel describe his basketball squad of doctors.