Whether your MBC diagnosis is new, or you’ve been living with the disease for some time, communicating with your healthcare team is important so you can receive the best care and have the best quality of life possible. Preparing for a doctor’s appointment can help make sure you discuss the topics and questions that are most important to you. These topics may include your treatment plan and side effects; participation in a clinical trial; personal preferences and goals; mental, emotional, and financial health; the role of a caregiver; support services; and others.
Click the links below to learn more about how to prepare for your doctor’s visits and build effective communication with your healthcare team.
- National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship: The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship provides a personalized checklist that covers topics to discuss with your healthcare team
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance (video): Dr. Ellen Landsberger, OB/GYN and MBC patient, suggests that patients prepare for a doctor’s visit by making a list of questions, taking notes, recording the conversation, and being proactive
- Cancer Support Community: This worksheet for people with MBC can help guide your conversations with your healthcare team and provides more information about where to find resources and support