QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT CONSIDER ASKING YOUR PHYSICIANS

DIAGNOSIS
♦  What are the parameters of my diagnosis?
♦  Is there anything particularly unique to my situation?
♦  What stage am I in?
♦  How fast is the cancer growing?

INITIAL TESTS
♦  What tests should I be looking into?
♦  Are these tests painful?
♦  What can I do to prepare for the tests?
♦  Is there anything I can do to minimize or eliminate the discomfort associated with the tests?
♦  How frequently will I be tested?
♦  What will we be looking for in the test results?

SELECTING PHYSICIANS
♦  Do you typically treat patients with my diagnosis?
♦  If not, who do you recommend?
♦  Where can I go for a second opinion?

TREATMENT
♦  What are our targeted treatment outcomes (stop growth or cure)?
♦  Do I need to start treatment right away?
♦  What are my treatment options?
♦  What are the risks & potential side effects of each option?
♦  Are there any clinical trials available for this type of cancer?
♦  What Complementary treatments do you recommend?
♦  When, where, how often will each treatment be administered?
♦  How will I be taking my medication?
♦  How long will it take to determine if each treatment option is working?
♦  Where can I obtain information about each of the potential drugs?
♦  Are there any support groups you can recommend?
♦  Can I speak with past patients with similar diagnosis/treatment options?
♦  What other resources would you recommend I look into?

SIDE EFFECTS
♦  What are the least invasive treatment options?
♦  What preparations should I make to accommodate & potentially prevent side effects?
♦  Will they start immediately after treatment…or could they come on days later?
♦  Will my body adapt to treatments as time goes on?
♦  What can I do to alleviate some of the more bothersome side effects?
♦  What possible complications could arise from the side effects?
♦  Is there anything in particular I should watch for and report immediately?

INFECTIONS
♦  How can I protect myself from infection while undergoing chemotherapy?
♦  What signs/symptoms should I be aware of?
♦  At which stages and how long am I at a heightened risk for infection?
♦  At what point is a fever considered cause for concern?

SURGERY
♦  Why am I having this procedure?
♦  What is the success rate?
♦  How many times have you performed this surgery?
♦  Are you certified by the American Board of Surgery?
♦  How long does this procedure typically take?
♦  Can I speak with someone who has had the procedure in the past?
♦  What should I expect after surgery with regard to pain etc?
♦  What type of effect will the surgery have on my body?
♦  Will my healing be effected by a compromised immune system?
♦  How long will I be hospitalized?
♦  How long will it take to recover?
♦  Are there any side effects or potential long term risks I should be aware of?
♦  What are the chances of death during surgery?
♦  What if I decide not to have the surgery?
♦  What is the likelihood of the procedure curing my type of cancer?
♦  Are there any other means of achieving the same goal?

GENERAL
♦  How will my cancer/treatment affect my lifestyle?
♦  Should I take a leave from work?
♦  Will I be hospitalized or is this out-patient?
♦  Will I be able to handle normal daily responsibilities?
♦  Can I lift things and exert a normal amount of physical activity?
♦  Is there anything I shouldn’t be doing while undergoing treatment?
♦  Should my diet be restricted?
♦  Should I increase my fluid intake?
♦  Can I still exercise?

FINANCES
♦  How much is this going to cost?
♦  How much does insurance cover?

ONCE THE CANCER IS GONE
♦  How can I monitor my health?
♦  Will I need regular checkups and lab tests?
♦  If so, how frequently?
♦  When will I be considered cured?