As you cope with cancer and cancer treatment, we encourage you to have honest, open discussions 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. Nurses, social workers, and other members of the treatment team may also be able to answer many of your questions.

• What kind of eye cancer do I have?
• Has my cancer spread beyond the eye?
• What is the stage (extent) of my cancer, and what does that 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?
• Should I get a second opinion?
• What treatment choices do I have?
• What do you recommend and why?
• What risks or side effects are there to the treatments you suggest? What is the risk of losing vision from the different treatments?
• 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 recur with these treatment plans?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• 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?

Along with these sample questions, be sure to write down some of your own. For example, you might want more information about recovery times so you can plan your work schedule. You may also want to ask about clinical trials for which you may qualify.

Last Medical Review: 03/03/2009
Last Revised: 05/14/2009