Make the Most of Your Doctor Visits
Being prepared for your doctor visits can help make the most of your time with them.
Your Team of Health Care Professionals
Your doctor or oncologist may suggest that you see a team of medical experts to care for your NET. This is called a multidisciplinary team. This team can help ensure that you receive the best possible care, because:
- NETs are found in different areas of the body, so you may want to see a doctor who is an expert in a particular area
- NETs can cause different symptoms that may lead to other medical issues
Read about the health care professionals (HCPs) below to see how they can help care for your NET.
Diagnoses and manages different types of cancerous tumors
Specializes in diseases of the digestive tract and their symptoms
Treats diseases of the endocrine system, which is made up of glands that produce and secrete hormones essential to help the body function properly
Performs surgery, including removal of tumors
Specializes in examining cells and tissue samples to help determine the type of tumor you have
Diagnoses and treats diseases using radioactive materials called radiopharmaceuticals
Uses imaging tests to diagnose and stage tumors, even those that have spread to other parts of the body
Communicates with all patient care providers to provide care both in the clinic and in the hospital
Helps you and your family deal with emotional and social issues, insurance matters, and treatment arrangements
Oversees your care throughout your treatment journey and helps you get the resources you need along the way
Provides diet and nutrition advice that may help with disease management
There are other HCPs not noted who can also support patients with a NET.
Ensure that you talk to your health care team
It's important to tell your health care team everything that could be relevant to your disease and treatment, including:
- Symptoms
- Allergies
- Foods you eat
- All the medicines you take (prescription and over-the-counter)
- Any changes in your daily habits
Be sure to include details about new symptoms or any changes in symptoms, especially if they become worse.
It's also important to share information about your daily lifestyle with your doctors, like your work or exercise habits. Your doctors will consider all of these details to help create a plan for you to manage your NET.
Ask your health care team questions
Take an active role in your care. Ask your doctors a lot of questions, and write down the answers so you can read them again later. Your doctors want you to ask questions. If there's something you don't understand, ask your doctors to explain more or slow down when they speak.
Keep a regular appointment schedule
Try to plan your day-to-day calendar far in advance so you won't have to cancel any medical appointment.
Resources and Support
If you're looking for helpful resources on NETs and carcinoid syndrome, this is the place for you.