Getting Psyched

Not every doctor handles the telltale call the same way. Some insist you come to the
office for the results of a biopsy because they don’t want to give bad news over the
phone. Others prefer to call you in the comfort of your home where you don’t have
to compose yourself to walk out through the waiting room or try to be courteous to
strangers around you. Find out ahead of time what your doctor will do. Know the
plan.
Fortunately, these folks work with the agony and ecstasy of biopsies every day and
are usually sensitive to your feelings. So what are the next steps?
➤ Find out who’s going to give you the results.
➤ Find out when to expect the results.
➤ Find out if you must go in or if someone will call.
➤ If you must go in, take someone with you who can listen and take notes.
➤ If someone will call you, have the call come wherever someone can listen with
you, such as on an extension phone.
➤ Prepare yourself for the worst possible news. That way, you’ll be able to listen to
what the doctor tells you even if the news is bad.
➤ When the news comes, listen carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
➤ Write down exactly what you’re told—what
the results show, what kind of malignancy,
etc.
➤ If the doctor or nurse uses words you don’t
understand, ask for spellings, definitions, and
explanations.
➤ Have your husband, friend, or relative (who-
ever is listening with you) take notes.
➤ Clarify with the doctor or nurse what your
next step should be.
➤ Clarify who makes what appointments with
whom.
Pow! Just like that, your life changes and every-
thing goes into a spin.