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“Communication is a collaborative endeavor. It requires clarification, resetting, and recalibration all the
way through the therapeutic relationship, at every level of where you connect with your healthcare team.”
– Dr. Mitch Winkler
Good healthcare starts with good communication. But despite good intentions, patients often visit their oncologists with a huge knowledge gap and a lot of anxiety. They get a lot of information thrown at them and have to learn very quickly at a time when they may not be in the best mental state to absorb a lot of information. Coupling the fact that anxiety typically impedes learning significantly with a doctor’s often limited amount of time, we often lack the critical communications training or skills – and even struggle ourselves – to bridge that gap.
In this episode, I discuss how to bridge the communication gap between newly diagnosed patients and their oncologists and share tips on how patients can approach common conversations in the cancer clinic. I discuss how and when you should ask for a second opinion and why you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for one. I explain why you shouldn’t ask about what ‘stage’ your cancer is in and why you should, instead, ask about the prognosis of your cancer. I also discuss why you shouldn’t feel self-conscious about asking for more information, asking basic questions, or asking your doctor for further clarification about your diagnosis and why you should only ask questions when you truly want a direct answer.
This week on Cancer Covered:
- How to ask about treatment-related side effects
- How and when to ask for a second opinion
- Why you should ask about the prognosis of your cancer diagnosis
- Why you shouldn’t ask about your life expectancy
- Why you shouldn’t feel self-conscious about asking basic questions or for more clarification about your cancer diagnosis or treatment
- Why you should only ask questions you truly want a direct answer to
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No one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.
Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic. That’s why we offer free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support groups facilitated for you and your loved ones.
Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome.
To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/
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