Questions to ask your Oncologist/ Hematologist or Radiation Oncolgist about your treatment plan

 Since being diagnosed with Cancer is such an emotionally overwhelming experience, when we are listening to the MD discuss treatment plans, what needs to be done, testing, etc., we are not completely comprehending everything that  is being said to us.

This short question and answer sheet is made for you to have something to bring to your MD so that when you go in, you will have a goal in mind of where the conversation should be headed, so you can be an advocate for your own health. This is extremely important, especially now,

It is best to take someone with you. If that cannot be done, please bring a recorder and paper to write things down so that you can reference it later. Ask for handouts of the medications or treatments that the MD has intended for you. If there is a referral out, make sure you have the name and number of the MD before you leave.

Start to keep copies of your pathology report, blood work, and tests that are done and keep then in a binder for yourself, as these are a good reference. Also if in the future you want a second opinion, you have all the information you need at your fingertips.

What is my diagnosis?

What is my grade of cancer (this means the aggressiveness of the cancer)?

What is the stage of my cancer (where has it spread to)?

Do I need surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, all 3 or 2?

Why? What is the overall prognosis for survival for my type of cancer?

Is this an unusual or rare cancer? If it is, I would like to get a second opinion at a larger cancer center where they see a lot more of this kind of cancer, can you help me with that?

If I have to have surgery, how long will I have to be in the hospital?

How long would recovery take?

If I did have surgery, when would chemo and/or radiation begin after surgery?

Why is chemo/radiation the choice for this cancer?

What drugs would I be getting for chemotherapy and do you handouts on them?

What are the side effects of these drugs?

Can I schedule an education session with one of your nurses to better understand what I would be going through and to get all the prescriptions that I need (if not done)?

Will my hair fall out?

Where would I get radiation on my body?

What are the main side effects of radiation on my body as a whole and my skin?

How often would I go for chemo and .or radiation?

Would they be given together or separate?

What does myelosuppression mean?

Will I have anemia, low white blood cell count and low platelet count?

Is there a possibility that I would need transfusions?

Do you provide injections to prevent low white blood cell counts from occurring so I don't get sick?

When would I get that and what are the side effects of that shot?

How many nurses are there to patient ratio in the treatment room?

How long would I be there?

Can my spouse/family/significant other come back?

What is the goal of my treatment- is it cure or to control the disease?

Have you seen the outcomes of other patients with my diagnosis?

How have they done with this regimen?

Are you available as an emergency on weekends and nights instead of me having to go to the ER for issues I may be having-an emergency number?

Is there a back up MD for you and if so, could I meet him/her?

Do you have booklets on cancer that I can read up on and take home?

 

The NCCN.org is the best site to look up your diagnosis and it will tell you the evidenced based chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment protocol that has been approved for that specific one. It is the best non for profit sites that every oncologist follows.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. This is a quick list of questions so that you can tailor it to your diagnosis and disease.