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 tumor located?
- What diagnostic tests do I need? What do they involve?
- Can you explain my pathology report and test results to me?
- What is the stage of the disease? What is the prognosis?
- What is the goal of treatment? What are my 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 will my condition be monitored during treatment?
- What is treatment recovery like?
- How much experience do you and your colleagues at this institution have in treating this disease?
- Will you help me arrange for second opinions if I feel unsure about a next step in my treatment program?
- How do you feel about clinical trials? Would you recommend that I participate in one?
- What should I tell other people (kids, parents, siblings, friends, etc.) about my cancer when they ask?
- What will my follow-up appointment schedule be like?
