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It is important to have frank, open discussions with your
cancer care team. They want to answer all of your questions, no matter
how trivial they might seem to you. For instance, consider these
questions:
- What kind of laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer do I have?
- Has my cancer spread beyond the primary site?
- What is the stage of my cancer and what does that mean in
my case?
- What treatment choices do I have?
- Are you aware of any clinical trials I might be eligible
for?
- What do you recommend and why?
- What risks or side effects are there to the treatments you
suggest?
- How will this treatment affect my voice? If my larynx is
removed, what are the options for restoring my voice?
- What are the chances of recurrence of my cancer with these
treatment plans?
- 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?
In addition to 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 schedule. Or you may want
to ask about second opinions or about clinical trials for which you may
qualify.
Last Medical Review: 05/07/2009
Last Revised: 05/07/2009
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