Counseling availability and importance

[mke]

I was treated at a major cancer center/teaching hospital the first 2 times and will be again on the 3rd time.

I didn't get 1 hour of instruction about bc diagnosis, and don't think I needed it, not even the first time. There were opportunities to ask questions at each visit. I took part in several clinical trials and those were explained in as much detail as I wanted.

As I recall the 1st time, we decided on a lumpectomy right off. The second time there were a couple of visits because the choices were more complicated. For the 3rd we have a tentative plan for bilateral mast. which will be finalized after bone scan etc. I hope to not have to see anyone before I go in for surgery.

The first 2 times I was given a binder of information, there is a surgery information session, the hospital has a lending library with very helpful staff, there is a special new information section for breast cancer right next to the breast clinic, there are seminars for cancer patients. This is at the hospital.

In addition, in the city there is a cancer support center that offers group sessions, yoga, journaling, seminars for patients and family including kids, and assorted other stuff, all free - just register. There is a Gilda's Club (which I haven't used). There is also info research group, they used to be located near me and I used them the first time, but they've moved so I haven't used them recently. I honestly don't remember if anyone at the hospital told me about these things or I just knew about them.

On the first round my red. onc. felt that I wasn't coping well and referred me to the social work dept for several sessions. That was actually quite helpful. He might have asked if I went, and there might have been some question like "how's it going" at a later appt., but I don't remember any in depth discussion.

I did spend time with nurses to go over the details of procedures, each time I think. I did/do have their pager numbers, but I never used them I could call and ask a question of my med. onc. and he would return the call in late afternoon, I did that once.

After each surgery and during chemo I had visiting nurses come to my home to change dressings and monitor my progress and answer any concerns.

I always felt that I got everything I needed and that someone would have responded if I said or otherwise indicated that I needed more. I don't know if it matter to your poll, but I'm in Canada.