As you cope with cancer and cancer treatment, you need to have honest, open discussions with your doctor. You should feel comfortable asking any question no matter how small it might seem. Nurses, social workers, and other members of the treatment team may also be able to answer many of your questions.

• What kind of sarcoma do I have?
• How much experience do you have in diagnosing and treating sarcoma?
• 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?
• What do you recommend and why?
• What risks or side effects are there to the treatments you suggest?
• What are the chances of my cancer coming back 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: 03/03/2009
Last Revised: 05/14/2009