Appointments

hi there I'm not sure if this is the right place but I wondered how relatives of those living with someone with cancer is coping not going to appointments? 

 

I know current guidance at the moment is that the person attending the appointment should attend alone but I find it really frustrating. When my husband had his surgery after it the surgeon told him stuff and he can't remember as he was still drowsy from the anaesthetic. 

He has an oncologist appointment on the 10th to go over what treatment he will need and feel like someone should be with him. More so to ask questions etc. 

 

Anyone else in the same boat? 

 

Thanks x

  • At the moment I think the only time someone can attend an appointment with a patient is if the patient is congnitively impaired (dementia etc). The best thing that I've found is for your husband  to ask the consultant if he can record the consultation on his mobile phone so that you can listen to it with him afterwards. If that's not possible then make a list of the questions that need answering & your husband can make notes - consultants are used to recording or note taking by patients.

    Good luck and I hope his results bring good news,

    Angie (melanoma patient)

  •  

    Hi Lou.m,

    I am sorry to hear that your surgeon couldn't remember all the things that his consultant told him after surgery. Why don't you phone up his consultant's secretary and explain this to her, then ask if you could possibly attend the appointment with his oncologist on 10th? It is also a good idea to write down your questions to ensure that you don't forget anything important at the time.

    I hope that you can get to attend with him. Please stay in touch and, let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx