'The only stupid question is the question that is never asked ‘’…
This is for anyone affected by blood cancer, whether in, out, or beyond treatment, let’s empower each other, alleviate worries, and share advice on managing appointments.
As nurses with support service team we often hear on our helpline the different worries people have in asking questions at their haematology appointments ( telephone & in person).Questions you may have might feel very confronting, upsetting or ’ not important’ enough.
Is this something you struggle with, or do you feel confident in asking what you need to know?
@LauranBloodCancerUK just be nice to feel we are allowed to ask questions rather than being on an Aldi check out on the last day of shopping before Christmas.
I think it depends on the relationship you have with your consultant.
When I was diagnosed I had a lovely consultant that I built up a great relationship with. My appointments could be an hour as they spent the time listening and reassuring me over 5 years
Sadly they left to go to another hospital along with another lovely consultant and I was left in limbo with locum consultants one after another who had no time didn’t know me and didn’t listen.
I found it very depressing like I had been through a divorce.
Thankfully I now have a consultant who has restored my trust and I have telephone consultations list my questions and never feel rushed and I’m confident when I next relapse that I will have the best support.
The same experience in hospital settings
I am confident in asking questions with a consultant I trust.
For other consultants that don’t seem to care I get anxiety and shut down
Hi @clickinhistory i giggled at your analogy because you’re very accurate! I guess it’s also knowing who else you have around you to ask questions, which we appreciate varies great from person to person for a number of reasons. We know some will have great access & support from clinical nurse specialists, keyworkers, Gp’s etc but also know that can feel like a rare commodity.
My haemotologist in Paris was very approachable and listened patiently to all my questions. I finally clued in that he was glancing at his watch but I had been there almost 45 minutes and didn’t want to infringe on those after me either. I was so thankful because it was one of my concerns - I live in France and doctors can be rather brusque.
The other haemotologist I had booked for my second opinion, on the other hand, postponed the appointment three times for seminars and finally cancelled less than 24 hours before my appointment, saying he agreed with the first doctor’s diagnosis on record. So I guess I’ll consider that my second opinion? Would have like to see a second doc in person, the first one palpated my neck, for example. But as a friend said, maybe I dodged a bullet with the second Dr, seems a bit flighty.
because it was one of my concerns - I live in France and doctors can be rather brusque.
