At the beginning of my diagnosis I had a friend go with me at every doctor appointment so I could focus on the back and forth discussion and my friend would make notes. I also went there with a list of questions because I wasn't sure if I would remember it. That was wonderfully helpful. My doctor also allowed me to call an out-of-town family member and put them on speaker phone and weigh in on the discussion, especially if I didn't have anyone local to go with me.