What are some questions I can ask my doctor about testicular cancer?

As you cope with cancer, we encourage you to have honest, open talks with your doctor. Feel free to ask any question that's on your mind, no matter how small it might seem. Here are some questions you might want to ask. Be sure to add your own questions as you think of them. Nurses, social workers, and other members of the treatment team may also be able to answer many of your questions.

• Would you please write down the exact type of testicular cancer I have?
• Has my cancer spread beyond the testicle?
• What is the stage of my cancer? What does the staging mean in my case?
• 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 treatment choices do I have?
• How many lymph node surgeries have you done?
• What treatment do you suggest and why?
• What is the goal of this treatment?
• How long will treatment last? What will it involve? Where will it be done?
• What are the risks or side effects that I should expect?
• How long will it take me to recover from treatment?
• When can I go back to work or other activities after treatment?
• How soon after treatment can I have sex?
• What are the chances I will become infertile? Should I bank sperm?
• What are the chances of the cancer coming back after treatment?
• What would we do if that happens?
• Does one type of treatment reduce the risk of the cancer coming back more than another?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• Based on what you've learned about my cancer, how long do you think I'll survive?
• Would a second opinion be helpful to me?

Add your own questions below: