Step 3: Understand Your Diagnosis

Likewise, if your cancer is at an early stage, this will give you more time to look into all your options and build your medical team. These numbers also are important for you to record and understand so you can share them with other doctors you are consulting with for a second opinion, (local or national experts on your disease from whom you may want to seek advice), and any complementary and alternative medical practitioners such as acupuncturists and massage therapists who can help ease the discomfort of treatment.

By now, you will have enough information to start a notebook. It's one of the most useful tools you, your Personal  and Professional Advocate will have in working effectively and efficiently with your medical team. Get a binder with big rings so that it can grow.

Carry the notebook in a briefcase or tote bag. You'll need something oversized for records like x-rays that are too large for the binder. Think of the contents of the Book & Bag as a file cabinet.  As you go to various medical appointments, you may want to take only those documents necessary for that day for ease of carrying.

Take Your Notebook to Appointments

The notebook is a living document. It can help you as you think through and plan your treatment. Reread it at some point before every appointment. Read it in the waiting room. You're more interesting than the celebrities in People and Newsweek.

In addition to information on yourself and the questions you want to ask your doctor bring insurance cards, names of other doctors, the names of all the meds you take; bring the bottles and other medical records. Include journal pages. Update the doctor on any important changes since your last visit: changes in appetite, weight, sleep, energy, bumps, pains, upset stomach, and bowel movements. Ask the doctor what else you should be looking for.