Patient Education Colorectal Cancer: Your Care and Recovery | Page 14

Treatment
Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Many people with colorectal cancer want to take an active part in making
decisions about their medical care. It is natural to want to learn all you
can about your disease and treatment choices. Sometimes the shock and
stress after the diagnosis can make it hard to think of everything you want
to ask your doctor. It often helps to make a list of questions before an
appointment.
To help remember what your doctor says, you may take notes or ask
whether you can use a tape recorder. You may also want to have a family
member or friend with you when you talk to your doctor — to take notes, to
take part in the discussion, or just to listen.
You do not need to ask all your questions at once. You will have other
chances to ask your doctor or nurse to explain things that are not clear and
to ask for more details.
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who has experience treating
colorectal cancer, or you may ask for a referral. Specialists who treat
colorectal cancer include general surgeons, colorectal surgeons, medical
oncologists, and radiation oncologists.

Getting a Second Opinion
Before starting treatment, you might want a second opinion about your
diagnosis and treatment plan. Many insurance companies cover a second
opinion if you or your doctor requests it.
It may take some time and effort to gather medical records and arrange to
see another doctor. Usually it is not a problem to take several weeks to get a
second opinion. In most cases, the delay in starting treatment will not make
treatment less effective. To make sure, you should discuss this delay with
your doctor. Sometimes people with colorectal cancer need treatment right
away.
13