Keep a list of all medications your taking,
Keep a record of dates and results of all tests and appointments,
start a journal,
record and monitor your symptoms
"During cancer treatment, there is often a lot of information for patients to remember, keep track of, and act on. For instance, patients need to know when and how to take medication, when to go to appointments, and what to expect after treatment. To manage this flow of information, it is recommended that patients keep a written record of all procedures, treatments, and medications received." (CancerNet
, US, American Society of Clinical Oncology)
The LIVESTRONG Guidebook - provides information, resources and organizational tools to help survivors navigate through all phases of the cancer journey eg. understanding how cancer can affect the physical, emotional and day-to-day lives of survivors. They are free of charge, but postage to Australia is charged. Get information at http://www.livestrong.com/center/cancer/ andhttp://www.livestrong.org/Get-Help
Survivorship Care Plans (American Cancer Society)
- What's next - Life after cancer treatment
- Prescription for living
Use this Medicines List to keep an up-to-date record of all your medicines.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology provides advice about Keeping a Personal Medical Record, for example
What to include in your personal medical record
A complete medical record of your cancer and treatment should include the following information:
Your diagnosis-the specific cancer type and stage (describes where the cancer is located, whether it has spread to other parts of the body, and if it's affecting the functions of other organs in the body)
Dates of diagnosis and treatments
Copies of pathology reports and diagnostic tests, such as biopsy results, imaging tests (x-rays, MRIs, etc.), and laboratory test reports
Complete treatment information, including drug names and dosages for chemotherapy and sites and dosages for radiation therapy
Treatment results, including any complications or side effects
Information about supportive care, including pain or nausea medications, drugs or procedures to treat other side effects, and other types of care such as occupational therapy or nutritional support
A schedule for and results of follow-up tests
Complete contact information for doctors, clinics, and/or hospitals involved in your diagnosis and treatment
The record should also contain information about other aspects of your health.
Contact information for other doctors, such as your family doctor (past and current)
Dates and details of other major illnesses, chronic health conditions (such as diabetes or heart disease), and hospitalizations
Your family medical history
Details of past physical examinations, including screening tests and immunizations
Information and education about cancer treatment and recovery is available that can help patients manage their health care. The Managing Your Care section of Cancer.Net provides information on organizing your cancer care, including forms to keep track of treatments and helpful hints for scheduling and attending appointments. And, ASCO Treatment Summaries are printable forms that your doctor can complete to help you keep track of what treatment is planned, what treatment was received, and what follow-up care is necessary." (CancerNet, US, American Society of Clinical Oncology)
