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:
- What tests do I need? What do they involve?
- Can you explain my pathology report and test results to me?
- What is the stage of my cancer? Has it spread beyond the bladder?
- What are my treatment options? Which would you recommend?
- Will my case be discussed in a multi-disciplinary planning conference before any treatment decisions are made?
- Would you recommend a clinical trial?
- What are the benefits, risks, and side effects of each treatment option?
- Do you have any advice on managing side effects? What can I do to take care of myself during treatment?
- How long will treatment last? Will the treatment require me to stay in the hospital?
- What will be my schedule for follow-up appointments?
- What is my prognosis and what is my risk of relapse?
