The Patient’s Advocate

By Jane Tucker

Being a patient is not for sissies.

I’ve been a cancer patient for 24 years and, quite frankly, started out as a sissy…. But not anymore.

I will give you some tips in this column about what to do and what not to do when you become a patient.

Let’s start with the “to-do” list. Many of us have been brought up with “don’t bother the doctor”. I’m here to say bother the doctor if you want control over your condition. Now don’t be silly about it but be your own advocate. That’s my first and most important message.

Second is to get a positive vision in your head. Maybe your college graduation, your daughter’s wedding or even some- thing simple like how your garden will look in the spring. If you are unsure about your own illness, find yourself a hero to visualize. A swimmer without a leg, a single parent who somehow made it. You get the idea.

Number three: your emotions might be all over the place. It’s part of the process. It’s OK to be scared, go ahead…then get un-scared. Maybe cry ... then stop crying. Finally, find something to get happy about. It could be your healing or something else. Then…get strong! Everyone feels vulnerable when they become a patient. You can get over it quickly.

Point four….as I mentioned, be an advocate, but no one should go this alone. Get a friend or make a new one, a family member, a neighbor, someone you trust. You can take someone to every appointment. That is your right, and we all need help and support.

Five…pay attention to your body. You know it well. If something doesn’t seem right and it’s been over two weeks… tell your doctor. If you have something new and it doesn’t go away…. speak up. If it’s in a personal area don’t let that stop, you. All of us, including your doctor, has probably had something in a personal area. Again, don’t be afraid.

Next…if you can’t get an appointment in a reasonable time, get tough. See a nurse practitioner or another doctor. Get on a wait list but don’t wait if you need help. You can challenge decisions. You can get second opinions. A good doctor will encourage you. Appeal insurance decisions about procedures or drugs if they seem unfair.

So finally, a few extra tips.

You’re the boss over your body, your injury, your disease, and yes, even your doctors and your family. Pay attention, be kind to people who help you and speak up when they are not. Finally, and most importantly, visualize your body free of your issues or at least in control of them. Don’t be hard on yourself…just do the best you can.

And really, finally…. I wish you well.