10 Sep Questions to Ask Physician.

I have been talking to several of my current patients and they have all indicated to me that one of the most difficult things is to figure out how to get the answers they seek. In order for us to get the answers that we are searching for, we need to ask the right questions. So I decided to put together a list of questions that would be appropriate for one to ask their physician as you are going through your consultation, or visits, with your physician to discuss your cancer and what type of treatment is best recommended for you. I grouped these questions by topic.

Your Cancer

• Do you typically treat patients with my diagnosis?
• What stage is my cancer? (include numbers and letters; histology)
• Is there anything unique about my cancer that makes my prognosis better or worse?
• Should I get a second opinion?

Cancer Treatment

• What is the goal of treatment?
• To cure my cancer or stop it from growing?
• What are my treatment options?
• How can each treatment option help me achieve my goal of therapy?
• What risks or potential side effects are associated with each treatment?
• What research studies (“clinical trials”) are available?
• Are there any clinical trials that are right for me?
• How long will I receive treatment, how often, and where?
• How will it be given?
• How will I know if the treatment is working?
• How might a disruption in my chemotherapy dose or timing affect my results?
• How and when will I be able to tell whether the treatment is working?
• What are the names of all the drugs I will be taking?
• Can I talk with another of your patients who has received this treatment?
• Are there any resources or Web sites you recommend for more information?

Tests

• What types of lab tests will I need?
• Will I need x-rays and scans?
• Can you explain the results of my complete blood count (CBC)?
• Are there tests for the genetic make-up of my cancer?
• Will I benefit from having my cancer evaluated for its genetic make-up?
• How frequently will I get the tests?

Side Effects of Treatment

• What possible side effects should I prepare for?
• When might they start?
• Will they get better or worse as my treatment goes along?
• How can I prepare for them or lessen their impact?
• Are there treatments that can help relieve the side effects?  What are they?  Do you usually recommend or prescribe them?
• Which risks are most serious?
• Will I require blood transfusions?  Why?
• How can I best monitor myself for complications related to either my disease or my treatment?

Protecting Against Infection

• Will my type of chemotherapy put me at risk for a low white blood cell count and infection?
• Can I help protect myself against infection right from the start of chemotherapy, instead of waiting until problems develop?
• Am I at special risk for infection?
• What are the signs of infection?
• How serious is an infection?
• How long will I be at risk for infection?
• What should I do if I have a fever?
• How are infections treated?

Daily Activities

• How will my cancer treatment affect my usual activities?
• Will I be able to work?
• Will I need to stay in the hospital?
• Will I need someone to help me at home?
• Will I need help taking care of my kids?
• Are there any activities I should avoid during my chemotherapy?

What to Expect After Treatment

• What happens after I complete my treatment?
• How can I best continue to monitor myself for complications related to either my disease or my treatment?
• What kind of lab tests will I need?
• How frequently should I get those lab tests?
• What types of x-rays and scans will I need?
• How often do I need to come in for checkups?
• When will you know if I am cured?
• What happens if my disease comes back? 

I know that these are a lot of questions and it may seem a lot to ask your physician to go through with you to answer. The reality is that it isn’t that much. This will help you to understand your diagnosis, what to expect, what your physician is expecting and thinking, and will allow you to be an active participant in the care of your cancer. By taking an active role, in a partnership with your physician or oncologist, it offers you the best possible chances for success in your cancer care.
If your physician does have problems answering all of these questions for you, then that is a good indication that he or she may not be the right physician for you and your family. There are no stupid questions.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to email me for more information at: CANCERGEEK@GMAIL.COM

~CancerGeek