After the diagnosis, you will have a number of appointments. Some you have to arrange yourself, others will be informed. It is important that you keep the appointments, because many of the examinations or treatments are the prerequisites for further measures. In addition, the participating doctors and specialists coordinate with each other and draw up a plan. If you make changes or miss appointments without prior consultation, this can lead to the entire plan having to be re-created, which can result in delays that are disadvantageous for you. If you have concerns about individual examinations or treatments or if you completely reject them, clarify this in advance. This gives the medical staff the opportunity to react in good time. This also applies to appointments,
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- How urgent are the dates?
- Time management is important
- Dealing with unpleasant appointments
- Cancel appointments, you need to know!
- Follow-up appointments
How urgent are the dates?
How to proceed with the appointments after the diagnosis depends on the type of cancer and the stage. In very serious cases, therapy can start on the same day. If it is a disease with a good prognosis and a slow course, there is even the possibility that the doctors recommend waiting. Of course, you can get a second opinion.
Time management is important
In the future you will use appointments that are extremely important to you. In addition, you will surely also deal with offers of conversation or therapies that you have initiated yourself and which you cannot yet determine whether they will be of benefit. You should therefore pay attention to healthy time management. Measure travel times generously and plan together with family members. Above all, the everyday life of children should not be completely changed if possible. Young family members need their everyday life, hobbies and friends to remain emotionally stable. But you should also take enough time for breaks and for everyday life. Take into account that your condition can temporarily deteriorate, especially after the treatments, and that you want and need to rest. Therefore, do not try to schedule too many appointments at short intervals. Ask the participating doctors how you rate the tolerability of the respective application based on experience. Plan appropriate time buffers. It is important that you relax in between and do not experience any additional stress. Tell them if something is too much for you and talk to the social service in the hospital.
Dealing with unpleasant appointments
Do not postpone unpleasant appointments. Otherwise there is a risk that this will result in a jam with important treatments and discussions. It is only natural that you worry about some appointments. Speak that openly. You have the right to be afraid of proceedings and the right to have your concerns taken seriously. Join a self-help group and exchange ideas with other victims. It is very likely that the talks will help you face the challenges. But also take every chance to develop the courage to face the talks and the facts. The sooner you manage to do this, the better you will be able to manage the appointments and find a little more rest.
Cancel appointments, you need to know!
It can always happen that you have to cancel an appointment. There are several reasons for that. Your personal condition is the most important reason, e.g. B. because they are acutely ill. Cancel appointments as early as possible and try to arrange a replacement appointment. If possible, do not cancel appointments because they are unsettled. Accept the appointment and express your concerns on site. The healthcare professional is knowledgeable enough to safely guide you through the treatment. Take a trusted person with you who will give you courage if possible. Remember that the clinic will keep the appointment free for you. Doctors and laboratory and nursing staff are available to help you. This is also why it is important not to cancel appointments at the last moment.
Follow-up appointments
At the end of the treatment, your doctors draw up a so-called aftercare plan. This shows which discussions and investigations are pending. The aftercare plan covers the period in which there is a risk of relapse. This is usually referred to as five years. As soon as the risk drops, the appointments are made further. As a patient, it is easier for you to keep track of the upcoming examinations if you have a follow-up pass issued. Such a pass is a voluntary offer that many clinics have in their program.