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Questions for Your Doctor
Bringing prepared questions helps reduce anxiety and ensures you have all the information needed to make decisions. Here are lists organized by treatment phase.
After Initial Diagnosis
- What exact type of cancer do I have and where is it located?
- What stage is it, and what does this mean for my prognosis?
- What are the goals of treatment (cure, control, or palliate)?
- What additional tests do I need before starting treatment?
- Who will coordinate my healthcare team?
Before Chemotherapy
- Which specific drugs will I receive and how are they administered?
- How often will the cycles be and how long will each session last?
- What are the most likely side effects and how can we prevent them?
- How will this affect my ability to work or exercise?
- What number should I call if I have an emergency after hours?
Before Radiotherapy
- What is the goal of radiation in my specific case?
- How many total sessions will I need and what is the daily duration?
- What special care must I take with my skin in the treated area?
- Will I feel pain or heat during the procedure?
- What are the long-term effects on nearby organs?
Before Surgery
- How extensive will the surgery be and what organs will be affected?
- What are the potential risks and complications of this procedure?
- How long will hospitalization last and what will recovery be like?
- Will there be significant scars or changes in my physical function?
- Will the lymph nodes be analyzed during the intervention?