It is important to have frank, open discussions with your child's cancer care team. You should ask any questions that are on your mind, no matter how small they may seem. For instance, consider these questions:

• What kind of kidney cancer does my child have? Is it a Wilms tumor?
• Is the histology of the tumor favorable or unfavorable?
• What is the stage of my child's cancer and what does that mean?
• 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 options do we have?
• What do you recommend and why?
• What are the short-term risks or side effects to the treatments you suggest?
• What are the likely long-term effects of treatment? Could it affect my child's fertility?
• What should we do to be ready for treatment?
• How long will treatment last? What will it involve? Where will it be done?
• How will treatment affect our daily activities?
• Based on what you've learned about my child's cancer, what is the outlook for cure?
• What are the chances of my child's cancer coming back with these treatment plans?
• What would we do if the treatment doesn't work or if the cancer recurs?
• What clinical trials are suitable options for my child? Are these studies run by the Children's Oncology Group or a nationally prominent children's cancer center?
• What type of follow-up will my child need after treatment?

Along with these sample questions, be sure to write down some of your own. For instance, you might want to ask about getting a second opinion, or you may want more information about recovery times so you can plan your child's school and activity schedule.

Last Medical Review: 09/14/2009
Last Revised: 09/14/2009