At some point after your diagnosis and treatment, you may see a new doctor who does not know about your medical history. It is important that you be able to give your new doctor the details of your diagnosis and treatment. Make sure you have this information handy:
- A copy of the pathology report(s) from any biopsies or surgeries
- Copies of imaging tests (CT or MRI scans, etc.), which can usually be stored on a CD, DVD, etc.
- If there was surgery, a copy of the operative report(s)
- If you stayed in the hospital, copies of the discharge summaries that doctors prepare when patients are sent home
- If you had chemotherapy, a list of the drugs, drug doses, and when they were given
- If you had radiation therapy, a summary of the type and dose of radiation and when and where it was given
It is also important to keep your health insurance. Tests and doctor visits cost a lot, and even though no one wants to think of a tumor coming back, this could happen.
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