Hearing a cancer diagnosis is one of the scariest moments you can experience. I know. It happened to us in 2005 when our teenage son was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. Everyone with cancer wants the best chance for a good outcome. How can you increase your chances of a good outcome? Choose a […]
Archive | Treatment Decisions
The Importance of Shared Decision Making
Whether you are dealing with a new medical condition, or one that is progressing, it is important to take the lead role in your medical team. Historically, a doctor would tell you your diagnosis and course of treatment, and you would do your best to follow the doctor’s orders. Fortunately, times have changed, and most […]
Researching Clinical Trial Results
Have you thought about researching clinical trial results? When you, or a loved one, have a serious medical condition, it is natural, and important, to want to learn as much as you can about the condition and potential treatments. When traditional, often-used treatments are not promising, or not working for you or your loved one, […]
Should You Trust Your Doctor’s Recommendations?
When our doctors recommend a treatment, we assume our doctors have good reasons for doing so. We assume that studies have shown the treatment to help, or even cure, what ails us. Is it possible your doctor might prescribe a medication, treatment, or even surgery if there was no evidence of benefit? Yes! Why does […]
The Dangers of Too Many Tests and Treatments for Patients
By zaggocare on September 9, 2019 in Treatment Decisions, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Have you ever insisted on a test or treatment when your doctor suggests otherwise? Has your doctor pressured you to get tested, or undergo a treatment, that you didn’t think was needed? The dangers of too many tests and treatments for patients should be of concern to all of us as it can impact our […]
Are Alternative Treatments Safe?
If you (or a loved one) are dealing with a serious medical condition, there’s a good chance you’ve thought about trying complementary or alternative medicine. Perhaps you are wondering if there is anything that might help you heal better and/or faster? Or, maybe you want to reduce your symptoms and/or treatment side effects? There are […]
Financial Conflicts of Interest in Medical Research
When considering possible treatments for a serious illness, more and more of us involve ourselves in the decision-making process. We ask other patients what treatments they use, we get second opinions and we’re looking online for information. Doctors and patients alike rely on information they read in medical journals. Are there possible new treatments? How […]
Should You Travel Abroad For Medical Care?
Flying to a foreign country for a vacation full of adventure is a dream come true for many Americans. For some people, the more exotic the location, the better. It’s great to see new sites, try new foods, hear new languages. Would it also be great to get a new knee while you’re away? Traveling […]
Is a DNR a Good Idea for You or a Loved One?
I know that I don’t want machines to keep me alive for months or years if I am in a coma or vegetative state. And if I am at the end of my life, suffering with no chance of getting better, I don’t want radical medical interventions that will prolong my suffering. I am guessing […]
What You Need to Know About Clinical Trials Before You Sign the Dotted Line
By zaggocare on February 12, 2018 in Treatment Decisions, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
When you are dealing with a serious illness, there may come a time when you consider a clinical trial. Perhaps there are no known successful treatments, or perhaps you have tried all of the existing therapies and none of them have worked as you and your doctor hoped. The logical next step is often a […]