b'Communicating with Your Prepare a list of questions. Before your next medical appointment, write down your questions and concerns. Because Health Care Teamyour doctor may have limited time, ask your most important questions first and be as specific as possible.Make sure to tell all doctors involved in your care that you have a pet. Tell them your type of pet, its age and any health conditionsBring someone with you to your appointments. Even if you it may have. Also share your level of involvement in your petshave a journal and a prepared list of questions or concerns, its care and if you have any ongoing help for specific care tasks.always helpful to have support when you go to your appointments. Ask if there are specific precautions you should take based onThe person who accompanies you can serve as a second set of the type of cancer you have and how long you should keep thoseears. He or she may also think of questions to ask your doctor or precautions in place.remember details about your symptoms or treatment that you may have forgotten.Here is some general guidance for improving communication with your health care team (whether or not you have pets): You are a consumer of health care.The best way to make decisions about your care is to educate yourself about your diagnosis and get to know the members of your health care team, including doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, dietitians, social workers and patient navigators.Start a health care journal. Having a health care journal or notebook will allow you to keep all of your health information in one place. You may want to write down the names and contact information of the members of your health care team, as wellas any questions for your doctor. Keep a diary of your daily experiences with cancer and treatment. You can separateyour journal or notebook into different sections to help keepit organized.14 WWW.CANCERCARE.ORG CANCERCARE|CARING FOR YOUR PETS WHEN YOU HAVE CANCER 15'