The biopsy results are back, the doctor says. The lump in your breast was malignant. They think of cancer as just one disease, but there are more than a hundred different types of cancer, many of which are treatable and curable. Equally important, the patient should be asking questions to get a clear understanding of the disease and the options that might be available to deal with it. It's important also to realize that patients should never be embarrassed when they don't understand something the doctor says.
Cancer is an emotional issue.
Patients hear the word 'cancer' and they are immediately overwhelmed by thoughts of death, children, their spouse, loss of body image, pain, anger, frustration, fear. Patients retain only about one-third of what the doctor tells them the first time around, studies show. It's often useful to bring your spouse or a trusted friend with you to help listen and take notes. If that's not possible, ask the doctor if you can tape record the session. You can listen again to what was said when you return home.