What would your advice be to others who must advocate for themselves?

[Today's post is part 2 of a 4 part series, in the words of a PatientsLikeMe member diagnosed with cancer.]

Remember PatientsLikeMe member Jacquie? After she was diagnosed with lung cancer, which soon turned into colon cancer, she joined PatientsLikeMe and started sharing her positive, never-back-down attitude with the rest of the community. In her own words…

You mention that you had to be your own advocate with doctors. What would your advice be to others who must advocate for themselves?

“...I learned from that experience that I better watch out for myself. I didn’t have anyone who had experience with cancer to tell me what to do. Having been through this and seen the mistakes made with my care, I’m adamant that if something is not right with me or I don’t feel right I talk to my doctors about it. I read every scan and I ask questions. Doctors are very busy and it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. Keep a file with all of your tests. Keep a journal of things you need to have done. I know every three months I have to have scans and a colonoscopy. I often have to remind my doctor that it’s time. Keep track of your scripts as well.”

To connect with other veterans and members like Jacquie about patient advocacy and other topics, join PatientsLikeMe today at http://www.patientslikeme.com/join/rallypoint (it’s free)!