Hi Rebecca - You've made a really important point here, and I'd like to echo what you're saying. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my 30's I ran into several "experts" whose attitude was that I was "too young." On the other hand, I ended up with a strong medical team who fully understood that age was irrelevant and what I needed was the best care and treatment available. It took a lot of research, and persistence, to find the right physicians and surgeon, and that meant some work on my end. Since that experience I've made it a practice to "interview" new physicians to determine their attitude about partnering with patients. Most of the time I've found they've been receptive, and have appreciated that I walk in the door fully prepared with a written list of questions. Sometimes I take a laptop computer with me to take notes - if they object, they're not going to be my doctor. Over the years my long standing physicians have said they enjoy seeing me because they learn from me, and can use that knowledge with other patients. Having a two-way partnership makes a major difference in not only how you feel about the interaction, but also in the outcome of your care. It's that important!! Thanks so much for sharing with us.
Pat
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Hi Rebecca - You've made a really important point here, and I'd like to echo what you're saying. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my 30's I ran into several "experts" whose attitude was that I was "too young." On the other hand, I ended up with a strong medical team who fully understood that age was irrelevant and what I needed was the best care and treatment available. It took a lot of research, and persistence, to find the right physicians and surgeon, and that meant some work on my end. Since that experience I've made it a practice to "interview" new physicians to determine their attitude about partnering with patients. Most of the time I've found they've been receptive, and have appreciated that I walk in the door fully prepared with a written list of questions. Sometimes I take a laptop computer with me to take notes - if they object, they're not going to be my doctor. Over the years my long standing physicians have said they enjoy seeing me because they learn from me, and can use that knowledge with other patients. Having a two-way partnership makes a major difference in not only how you feel about the interaction, but also in the outcome of your care. It's that important!! Thanks so much for sharing with us.
December 9, 2009 - 6:23pmPat
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