Talking with doctors
You may want to see your doctor a few times before making a final decision on treatment. It is often difficult to take everything in, and you may need to ask the same questions more than once. You always have the right to find out what a suggested treatment means for you, and the right to accept or refuse it.
Before you see the doctor, it may help to write down your questions. The Cancer Society has a booklet titled Questions You May Wish To Ask. To receive a copy, call the cancer information nurses on the Cancer Information Helpline 0800 CANCER (226 237), contact your local Cancer Society for a copy or view and download a copy on the Cancer Society's website.
Taking notes during the session can also help. You may find it helpful to take a family member or friend with you, to take part in the discussion, take notes or simply listen. Some people find it is helpful to record the discussion.