Whether you're facing a serious diagnosis or managing long-term treatment, a doctor’s appointments can feel overwhelming. Between the medical updates, treatment decisions, side effects and emotional concerns, there's often a lot to cover in a short amount of time.

Dr. Shelly Latte-Naor, an expert in integrative cancer care, shares her top tips to help you prepare, so you can walk into your appointment and leave with clarity.

1. Come Prepared - But Keep It Focused

Bring a short list of your top 2-3 concerns. 

Writing these down ahead of time can help you stay grounded during the appointment, especially if emotions run high. If you’re unsure what to prioritize, think about:

• Symptoms that are new or worsening

• Treatment side effects impacting your daily life

• Questions about test results, medications, or next steps

  
  

If there are additional concerns regarding your care that remain unaddressed during the visit - make sure to contact a member of the care team to help you decide which issues need timely attention and which can be managed remotely or overtime.

📝 Tip: Use a notebook or a digital app (like Maitri!) to track symptoms, side effects, or questions between visits. 

2. Bring a Support Person (or tool!)

If you’re comfortable, invite someone you trust to join you, in person or via phone. 

They can help take notes, ask questions you might forget, and provide emotional support. If you go alone, consider recording the visit (with your doctor’s permission) or jotting down key points right after so you have a summary of the key points addressed in the session.

🧠 Why it matters: Processing medical information under stress is tough. A second set of eyes and ears helps you retain and process more information. 

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Clarification

It’s okay to ask your doctor to slow down, explain something again, or use simpler language. Understanding your care is your right,  not something you have to earn by being a "good patient."

💬 You can say: 

• “I want to make sure I understand. Can you walk me through that again?” 

• “What does that mean for me in the next few weeks?” 

• “Is this something I need to act on now, or can it wait?”

• “What are the risks to the stated approach? What are the benefits? What are the alternatives?” 

• “Are there additional resources you can recommend for me to educate myself?”

4. Share How You’re Really Doing

Doctors are trained to focus on your physical health, but your emotional well-being is just as important. If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed, it’s okay to bring that up.

It helps your doctor recommend the right kind of support, whether that’s a therapist, a support group, or simple changes to your routine.

❤️ Reminder: The more centered, supported and resilient you are the more resources you can bring to your treatment.

5. Ask About Complementary Support Options

If you're dealing with side effects like fatigue, pain, sleep issues, or anxiety, ask about evidence-based non-drug approaches that might help.

This can include things like:

• Mindfulness practices

• Acupuncture or massage

• Nutrition or movement recommendations

• Guided imagery or relaxation techniques

  
  

🌿 Integrative care means working with your medical treatment, not replacing it.

It’s part of a growing, evidence-supported approach to survivorship.

Remember: You belong in the room!

You are not a passive recipient of care, you are a vital member of your care team. 

Your insights, questions, and concerns matter. 

The more prepared and empowered you feel, the better your team can support you.

Maitri is here to make that easier, from tracking your needs to helping you ask for help in and beyond the doctor’s office.