Q. Ever since my diagnosis, going to the doctor makes me very nervous. What can I do to calm my nerves?
A. Going to the doctor can be very stressful, even without a cancer diagnosis. To help stay calm, start by leaving early for your appointment, so you have plenty of time to leisurely drive, park and get into the office.
Remember, preparation helps to defeat nervousness: Keep a notebook of questions you want to ask your doctor and bring a pen to write down his/her answers. Ask the doctor to repeat herself if you cannot write everything down fast enough, or bring a tape recorder and ask the doctor if there is any problem with your using it. Bring a friend or relative along for support, if possible.
While you are waiting, practice deep breathing exercises—give yourself a few deep breaths to help you focus and relax.
Para solicitar información en español, llame al 1-800-ACS-2345. Un especialista en información sobre el cáncer le asistirá en español.
