Episode 10 Communicating with Health Care Providers

In this episode, John and Fran talk about the elements and strategies for communicating with the medical team. As a caregiver, you are a vital part of the medical team and have valuable information to give to them. You are also the eyes and ears for your loved one. In many cases they may be able to proces or even hear what is being spoken at a doctors appointment.  Be prepared before you go to the appointment, with questions or observations you want to share. Take notes during the visit, or even record it on yu rphone, and play it back later. Asking for second opinions is routine, and no one will be offended if you ask for another opinion, particularly if you're dealing with rare forms of cancer.  There is no one way the 'the right way', your're boudn to make a few mistakes along the way. But they are recoverable. Just do the best you can and keep putting one foot in front of the other.