People with lung cancer may find that some activities require more planning and preparation than they used to. Below are printable checklists you can use to prepare for a problem-based doctor visit or for travel.

Doctor Office Visit Checklist

Print this list

Before the visit

  • Gather your questions
  • Identify symptoms
  • Check your loved one’s file
  • Call to confirm appointment
  • Take a list of any medicines the patient is currently taking
  • If the patient has seen a doctor before for a similar problem, take the record from the visit with you

During the visit

  • Help the patient describe symptoms accurately
  • Ask questions
  • Record the doctor's instructions
  • Discuss recommendations
  • Verify follow-up
  • State the main problem first
  • Describe the symptoms
  • Describe the patient's past experiences with the same problem.

At the end of the visit, ask:

  • Does the patient need to return for another visit?
  • Can I phone in for test results?
  • What danger signs should we look for?
  • When does the patient need to report back about the condition?
  • What else do we need to know?

After the visit

  • Review your notes
  • Check prescription
  • Discuss the visit
  • Update your calendar
  • Call for test results
  • What's wrong?
  • What might happen next?
  • Ask what you can do at home

Being prepared

  • Post emergency information in a prominent place
  • Have updated information on your loved one ready to go
  • Enlist a friend to be your ER buddy before a crisis occurs
  • Pack a bag ahead of time

Travel Checklist

Early planning and careful preparation are the keys to an enjoyable trip. Patients should contact their physician to make sure their proposed trip is medically safe and to obtain additional copies of their prescriptions to take with them.

Print this list

If traveling by car or RV

  • Remind passengers not to smoke in the car
  • Securely fasten the oxygen tanks
  • Keep a window partially open
  • Do not store oxygen in the trunk of the car
  • Do not store oxygen in an area where the temperature will reach 120° Fahrenheit
  • In a recreational vehicle, do not store oxygen near an open flame

If traveling by bus, train, or ship

  • Contact the reservation office for specific information about the use of oxygen and special accommodations
  • Most companies require at least two weeks' notice if you are going to be using oxygen on your trip

If traveling by airplane

  • Most companies require at least four weeks' notice if you are going to be using oxygen on your trip
  • Ask your physician what flow rate to use during your flight
  • Request or book a direct flight, if available
  • Most airlines require you to use their oxygen supply on the plane
  • If there are layovers, ask if the airline will supply oxygen during that time
  • Ask what the airline will charge for oxygen during the flight
  • Arrange for your oxygen supply at your final destination