Questions to Ask the Doctor

It is important to have honest, open discussions with your doctors and nurses. Feel free to ask questions, even if they seem trivial. It is a good idea to write your questions down so you will remember to ask them during each appointment. Here are some important questions you may want to ask:

• Where is the cancer located in the eye?
• How big is the tumor? Has it spread beyond the eye?
• What is the stage of the disease? What is the prognosis?
• What are the treatment options?
• What are the benefits of each treatment?
• What are the risks and side effects of each treatment?
• How will my child's vision be affected by the tumor and its treatment?
• Do you have any advice on managing side effects?
• Will my child's case be discussed in a multi-disciplinary planning conference before any irrevocable treatment decisions are made?
• How do you feel about clinical trials? Would you recommend participating in one?
• Will you help me arrange for second opinions if I feel unsure about a next step in the treatment program?
• Is my child at high risk for a recurrence? What will the follow-up appointment schedule be like?