What should you ask the doctor about Ewing tumors?

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 Ewing tumor do I (does my child) have?
• Has the cancer spread beyond the main (primary) site?
• 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 type of cancer?
• 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 risks and side effects of the suggested treatments?
• Which side effects start shortly after treatment and which ones may develop later on?
• How might treatment affect my child's ability to grow and develop?
• Are there fertility issues we need to consider?
• What are the chances of the cancer coming back after treatment? 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 that you can plan your work or school schedules. Or you may want to ask about second opinions or about available clinical trials.