Before you start chemo, you have to attend Chemo Education. Chemo Education is scheduled with a nurse. My nurse was the sweet nurse from Dr. Wonderfuls office. I am going to refer to the Hematologist-Oncologist/Chemo Doctor as Dr. Wonderful. Doug, my husband, went with me to Chemo Education. The clinic suggests that you bring at least one of your care givers. I had my calendar with note paper in the back and I was ready to take notes.
As I returned home with handfuls of information, I realized that I needed to organize all of this information so I could find it as needed. I had a couple of small piles already
. chemo info, notes from two doctors and my mammogram and CT report. I decided to organize the information in a 3 ring binder.
I set up the notebook according to the following categories:
1. Meds
2. Doctors visits I took notes at every conversation with each doctor, filed it by date in the notebook and put a copy of the notes and the lab reports in a plastic sleeve.
3. Copies of all Test
CT Scans, PET Scans, MUGA Scan, Pathology Reports, Echocardiogram, etc
4. Miscellaneous Information
I took my notebook and calendar to every visit. I had questions written ahead of time so that I didnt forget anything. As I sat in the chemo chair receiving the infusion of chemo, I organized my notebook. One more tip about the organization of the notebook. In the front of the notebook, I had a 3 ring pencil pouch so that I would always have my writing tools and a 3 ring business card holder. I kept a business card from every doctor and everyone affiliated with my treatment.
The most important thing that I want you to remember is that you are in charge of your health care decisions. You can research your doctors, be an advocate for yourself or designate an advocate. You are more than a statistic.
Be Blessed.
Lakeland, FL
