Questions for Oncologists during follow-up visits

[crankyonmeth99]

Hi, I am a 19 month cervical cancer survivor and have my 3 mo. follow up w/ my Oncologist & 6 mo. follow up with my Radiation Oncologist tomorrow. ( I see my GYN Oncologist every 3 mo.'s.  
I am adjusting to "my new norm" after radiation & chemo, but I was also sent into early menopause and was recently diagnosed with Graves Disease back in Apr 2010 and am adjusting to that under the care of an Endocrinologist.
My question is:  I am usually well prepared for my visits, but I'm seeing different Dr.s for different things and am having trouble concentrating and getting my thoughts and questions together.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated !  Thank you.

[crankyonmeth99]

I know it is!  I've been to Paris and Nice several times and was able to enjoy it. Fresh bread every day!  I wondered how you all stay so slender!  I think you're more active in general.

[Londres70]

That's wonderful.  

BTW:  the French bread is the BEST :)

[crankyonmeth99]

Hi, just got back from my appt's. They are always so great there. I don't even feel like I had cancer....lots of smiles & hugs    : )
Take care!

[Londres70]

All the best to you.

Glad I could help some.

[crankyonmeth99]

Thanks for your input. I was able to put together some questions and I'm ready!

[Londres70]

It is a good idea to write questions and/or concerns on a tablet between visits that way by the time the visit comes, you don't go "blink" and can't think about what to say.  If it is no longer a question and/or concern by the time of the visit, just simply scratch it out.  You can keep one tablet and separate it into 4 parts (for the four physicians you are seeing now).  Of course if the question and/or problem is URGENT, then you should always notify the office.    

You can ask him/her to address your current plan of care and tenative future plan of care.  

Mention any concerns/problems.

BRIEFLY mention your new diagnosis of Grave's Disease and that you are following up with an Endocrinologist for that if he/she is not aware of this.  Mention any pertinent information from your Oncologist and GYN Oncologist visits that he/she may not be aware of.   Keep in mind each physician you are seeing MIGHT NOT be aware of what the other ones are doing.   Keep them all "in the loop" so to speak.  

I don't know your situation well enough to suggest more specific questions to ask, so.....