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 to you. For instance, consider these questions:

• Where is my cancer located?
• Has my cancer spread beyond the bile duct?
• What is the stage of my cancer and what does that mean in my case?
• Are there other tests that need to be done before we consider treatment options?
• Is the cancer likely to be resectable?
• How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?
• Should I get a second opinion?
• What treatment choices do I have?
• What do you recommend and why?
• What is the goal of treatment?
• What risks or side effects are there to the treatments you suggest?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• How long will treatment last? What will it involve? Where will it be done?
• How will treatment affect my daily activities?
• What are the chances my cancer will come back with these treatment plans?
• What would we do if the treatment doesn't work or if the cancer recurs?
• What type of follow-up might I need after treatment?
• Where can I go for information and support?

Along with these sample questions, be sure to write down some of your own. For instance, you might want to ask about clinical trials for which you may qualify.

Last Medical Review: 01/21/2010
Last Revised: 01/21/2010