ASKING QUESTIONS

As a patient with cancer , I have learned the hard way over the years that there is truly a cost to complacency. A patient can  - and should – respect and defer to the experts, but at the same time, ask them hard questions and sometimes second opinions when warranted. In my view, good doctors should not object to or be irked by second opinions; in fact, they should welcome them, especially in  cases of unusual or life-threatening illnesses.

Also, as patients, it’s worth reminding ourselves to stop, take a breath, and make sure we understand what the doctor is saying and not be afraid to ask for a second opinion. This should apply no matter how esteemed the physician or hospital may be. Keep in mind, too – as insurance companies should – second opinions can sometimes lead not only to better outcomes but also to less expensive diagnosis and treatment options.

But the bottom line, my fellow patients, is that you should not be afraid to ask questions nor feel like you’re “betraying” your doctor by seeking a second opinion. Why? Because at the end of the day, it’s your life, period.

I remembered asking my doctor after my treatment what should I do to speed up my recovery because I was always tired and I had no appetite so he told me to eat well and do some sports and I asked what kind of food I should eat and what kind of sports I should do that led me to be referred to see dietician and physical therapist which led me to being a marathoner , mountain climber, cyclist and swimmer  and I think I have better life than before and I know how to control my stress level  and also learned to do mediation .