A cancer diagnosis is scary for everyone. For many of us, it’s our worst fear. Clearly, we worry about the prognosis and the potentially hard treatments that lay ahead. What we shouldn’t have to worry about is how our race or ethnicity could impact our chance of having a positive outcome. But it looks fairly […]
Archive | Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
The Dangers of Stem Cell Clinics
When you have a condition that doctors struggle to treat, it’s frustrating, scary and depressing. You worry you’ll never get better. You feel like your life will never feel normal again. In desperation, some patients turn to unproven, unapproved treatments at unregulated stem cell clinics. And this decision can bring trouble because many stem cell […]
Why are Second Opinions Important?
When you or a loved one are diagnosed with a new illness, it can be overwhelming and scary. But what if your doctor is wrong? What if he/she determines you have one condition when you actually have another? Or, perhaps your doctor tells you there is nothing wrong with you, but that’s not true. Furthermore, […]
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 […]
Help for Hard to Diagnose Health Issues
It’s not fun to feel sick. And it can really interfere with your life. But it’s really maddening when no one can figure out what’s wrong with you. You trudge from doctor to doctor, often undergoing many tests. You might be incorrectly diagnosed. As a result, you might undergo various treatments that don’t help. Or […]
What are Doctors Doing to Reduce Diagnostic Errors?
By zaggocare on October 1, 2018 in Medical Errors, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
No one wants to hear they have cancer or another serious illness. It’s scary and overwhelming. What’s worse? A doctor telling you he/she failed to realize that you’ve had cancer (or another serious illness) for weeks or months, delaying potentially life-saving treatments. Also horrible? Receiving treatments for an illness you don’t even have. Diagnostic errors, […]
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 […]
What, I Still Need Glasses? Issues to Consider Before Cataract Surgery.
By zaggocare on July 31, 2017 in Treatment Decisions, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
This post was written by a Zaggo team member. Do you know the issues to consider before cataract surgery? A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most are related to aging and are very common in older people, although younger people can have them as well. By the […]
The Benefits of OpenNotes
By zaggocare on March 20, 2017 in Communicating with Your Healthcare Team, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Ever wonder what your doctor is typing during your appointment? Or what they are writing about you after you leave? Are you curious to see what is in your medical records? You should be! There are many benefits of of OpenNotes, including access to your doctors’ notes and test results. This access can help you […]
Does Where You Live Impact Cancer Outcome? Sadly, Yes.
By zaggocare on February 6, 2017 in Treatment Decisions, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Do You Have Cancer? Your Zip Code May Influence Your Odds of Survival Getting a cancer diagnosis has got to be one of life’s scariest moments. We all hope we never have to hear those words. What if you found out that you had cancer and an increased chance of dying from your cancer because […]