Neuropathy: Suggestions

Use the Cancer Survivor's Health Journal to prepare for your next visit with a member of your health care team:

• The Cancer Survivor's Health Journal can be found at www.livestrong.org/cancersupport in the Download Worksheets tab.
• Use the Health Care Team Appointment document to write down everything you want to ask your health care team. You can write notes and questions on the sheet between visits.
• Use the List of Medications to keep track of your medications. Bring this document to the visit along with all of your medication bottles. This lets the team know all the medications you are taking, including vitamins and over-the-counter medications.
• Use the Health Care Team Appointment document to take notes during the visit and to write down your next appointment date.
• Keep all of these documents together in a binder and bring it with you to your visits.
• Bring extra copies of all of these documents with you to give to the health care team. You can also fax or mail these documents in before the visit. Having the health care team read your documents may be an easier way for you to communicate.
• You can store pamphlets, medication side effect inserts and important phone numbers in your notebook so that everything is in one place.

Talk to your health care team.

• Ask your health care team to discuss the symptoms and treatment of neuropathy.
• Ask about what treatments might work for you.
• Ask how to manage the symptoms of neuropathy.
• Ask about physical and occupational therapy and whether they can help you.
• Ask if there is a long-term survivor group you can call to talk to about living with neuropathy.

Find a support group.

Support groups provide a safe environment to share experiences with other survivors, learn new ways to handle difficult situations and talk about emotions. You will see different styles of coping with stress and adjusting to life as a cancer survivor. If you are uncomfortable talking about certain subjects with your family or friends, a support group offers you a place to talk freely about what is important to you.

Cancer support groups exist in most communities.

Some ways to find out more about support groups in your area:

• Ask your health care team for suggestions. Some cancer programs offer support groups for cancer survivors and their family members right in the clinic or hospital.
• Call a nearby cancer center or university hospital and ask about support groups.
• Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) and request a list of support groups and cancer centers in your area.
• Visit LIVESTRONG SurvivorCare at www.livestrong.org/survivorcare, or call 1-866-235-7205 for information on support groups.

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