It is important to have honest, 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 gallbladder cancer do I have?
• Has my cancer spread beyond the gallbladder?
• 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?
• How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?
• What treatment choices do I have?
• Can my cancer be removed with surgery?
• What do you recommend and why?
• What is the goal of the 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 recur 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?

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 your work schedule. Or you might want to ask about second opinions or about clinical trials for which you may qualify.

Last Medical Review: 11/02/2009
Last Revised: 11/02/2009