It is important to have frank, open discussions with your cancer care team. They want to answer all of your questions no matter how minor they might seem. For instance, consider these questions:
- What kind of osteosarcoma do I (does my child) have? Will this affect treatment?
- Has the cancer spread beyond the bone it started in?
- What is the stage of the cancer and what does that mean?
- Are there other tests that need to be done before we can decide on treatment?
- How much experience do you have treating this disease?
- What other doctors will I (we) need to see?
- What are our treatment options?
- What do you recommend and why?
- How long will treatment last? What will it involve? Where will it be done?
- How will treatment affect our daily lives?
- What should I (we) do to be ready for treatment?
- What are the possible short and long-term side effects of the suggested treatments?
- Are there fertility issues we need to consider?
- What are the chances of recurrence with these treatment plans? What would we do if this happens?
- What type of follow up and rehabilitation will be needed after treatment?
Along with these sample questions, be sure to write down some of your own. For instance, you might want more information about recovery times so you can plan a work or school schedule. You may also want to ask about second opinions or about available clinical trials.
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