Questions to Ask the Doctor
If you have a good understanding of your disease and can explain your condition back to your doctor, then you’re in good shape. Questions are your primary resource to gain a better understanding of your disease and enhance your quality of care. Well-thought-out questions can help you get the most out of your appointments and can make all the difference. Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- What type of esophageal cancer do I have?
- What is the stage of my cancer?
- What are my treatment options?
- Will my case be discussed in a multi-disciplinary planning conference before any irrevocable treatment decisions are made?
- 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?
- Will treatment affect my daily life?
- What are my chances of completely recovering from this disease?
- What is your personal, and your hospital's experience with this disease?
- Will you help me arrange for second opinions if I feel unsure about a next step in my treatment program?
