Questions to Ask the Doctor

Questions are your primary resource to gain a better understanding of your disease and enhance your quality of care. Well-thought-out questions can make all the difference and can help you get the most out of your appointments. Here are some of the most common questions patients ask about brain tumors:

  • Where will the incision be made? (i.e. where will my scar be?)
  • Will you shave my whole head?
  • What is the recovery like?
  • What are the risks of surgery?
  • If complications occur, will they be permanent?
  • Will I need physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation?
  • Will I need to be in the intensive care unit (ICU)?
  • Can somebody stay with me in my room while I am in the hospital?
  • When will you know the diagnosis? Will you do a frozen section to get a preliminary diagnosis?
  • What’s the goal of surgery?
  • If a biopsy has been recommended, why is this limited surgery (versus complete tumor removal) being considered?
  • How much tumor is the neurosurgeon planning on removing?
  • Who manages my care while I am an inpatient?
  • Who assists the neurosurgeon at surgery?
  • When can I shower after surgery? When can I wash my hair?
  • When can I get out of bed after surgery? When can I walk?
  • When after surgery can I start my regular level of activity?
  • Can I drive after surgery? If not, when can I drive?
  • Will I need medications after surgery (steroids, anti-seizure medications)? If so, how long will I be on these medications? What are the side effects of these medications?
  • Will I need assistance after surgery?
  • When will my follow-up MRI take place?
  • What additional treatment(s) will I need after surgery and when will I know if I need additional therapy?
  • If I need additional treatment after surgery, when will this treatment start?
  • What are the side effects of additional therapy (chemotherapy, radiation)?
  • Will I need assistance during/after chemotherapy or radiotherapy?
  • What happens if my tumor recurs?
  • When should I call my doctor? When should I proceed to the Emergency Center?
  • What is the best way to contact my medical team?