Cancer treatment checklist

I found this at a blog written by a woman who had metastatic breast cancer. Due to HIPAA and Phil's reluctance to ask his family for assistance, we were helpless in helping him battle his disease. He was brave, determined, combative and very angry. He'd already had a stroke (retinal occlusion) and had a number of health problems which he chose to ignore. After his death I found a letter written by a cousin suggesting that he not try going through this alone, to accept help. He disregarded her, too. The mistakes I've seen were compounded by a very small thing yesterday when we received a sympathy card from the doctor he trusted most and told us never to question her advice. His name was wrong in the card! Doctors, too, are helpless if a patient is noncompliant. And he definitely was. But he had amazing faith in her, not withstanding.

Lessons Learned Checklist:

1. Expect mistakes from your health provider;

2. Ask critical questions at every visit. Take a written list of questions in order of priority. If you get home and realize something is not clear, contact your doctor again;

3. Get a friend or family member to serve as your advocate;

4. Communication between doctors is absolutely critical. If a Radiology report indicates possible metastatic disease or something equally alarming make sure you get a definitive diagnosis. Rule out the worst-case scenarios. Make sure the doctors involved have talked;

5. If you aren’t confident about the doctor’s diagnosis, ask your doctor to review your records with colleagues to see what might have been missed;

6. Get a second opinion;

7. Choose doctors who take time and listen. Ask for a copy of the doctor’s notes to ensure your issues are documented properly. This also ensures the doctor heard what you said;

8. Ask specialists to take a “fresh look” at your case;

9. Make use of hospital patient advocate resources without delay.