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:
- How did my child get this cancer?
- In the event a needle biopsy is recommended, is a surgical biopsy a better test
- What is the stage of the disease?
- In the case of Hodgkins Lymphoma, does my child B-symptoms?
- What are the treatment options?
- What are the benefits of each treatment?
- What are the risks and side effects of each treatment?
- Do you have any advice on managing side effects?
- 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?
- What will the appointment schedule be like?
- What should I tell other people (kids, parents, siblings, friends, etc.) about my child's cancer when they ask?
