Get the most out of each visit to your doctor
It is important to speak freely and openly during your doctor’s appointments. Here are some tips for talking with your healthcare team.
Tips for talking with your healthcare team1
- Make a list of questions before each appointment
- Take notes or bring another person (spouse, caregiver) to help you remember your questions and the doctor’s answers
- Get the phone number of someone at your doctor's office whom you can call with follow-up questions
- Keep a folder or notebook with all your medical papers and test results. Be sure to also keep a list of all medications you have been prescribed and are taking
- Make notes of any new or worsening symptoms or side effects you may experience, including when and where they occur, and report them to your doctor
Talking openly about your symptoms2
It’s important to let your doctor know about all the symptoms you’re experiencing so they can be addressed. Some symptoms of advanced prostate cancer include:
- Problems urinating (slow or weak stream; need to urinate more often, especially at night)
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Trouble getting an erection
- Pain in the hips, spine, or ribs
- Weakness or numbness in your legs or feet
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Common questions to ask your doctor
- What does “advanced prostate cancer” mean for me?
- How long will I be on LUPRON DEPOT treatment?
- What side effects can I expect? What can I do about them?
- Will my daily life be affected? Are there things I should stop doing?
- What are the signs that the treatment is working?
- Can you refer me to a mental health professional if I need help?
- What else can I do to keep healthy with diet or exercise?
- How will other medicines or supplements affect my treatment?
- What is my risk of recurrence during treatment?
- How often will you check my PSA and testosterone levels?
Track your test results and discuss with your care team
You and your doctor will work together to decide on a treatment plan that works best for you by considering your age, the stage of your disease, any other medical conditions, and your doctor’s recommendation.
Understanding your test results is an important part of actively participating in your treatment. Use this chart to record important test results, such as PSA, testosterone, cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Individual results may vary.
“I thrive on being proactive, and knowing and understanding my testosterone and PSA numbers, among others, makes me feel informed and on top of my health. With LUPRON DEPOT, keeping my PSA levels under control helps me feel empowered, compared to the shock I felt after I was diagnosed.”
- Larry, LUPRON DEPOT advanced prostate cancer patient
