It is important for you to understand why you are getting the treatment your doctor choses and how it is supposed to help you. Different treatments try to do different things. It depends on what cancer you have, and whether it has spread to other parts of your body, and where you live, and what you want. Ask your doctor or specialist if the treatment they suggest:
- is meant to cure you, by getting rid of the cancer and stopping it spreading, or
- won’t cure you, but is meant to prolong your life, or make you feel better.
Your doctors will yarn with to you and explain this. You can yarn with them and tell them what you think, and what you want. Some people will want to try everything possible to stay alive. Others want simpler treatments, or don’t want to leave Country for treatment, or don’t want any treatment. It’s your choice.
This is also a good time to discuss including any traditional healing, bush medicine or cultural practices you want to include in your treatment plan. You can also talk to another doctor to help you decide.