Before choosing chemotherapy as a treatment option, you should
understand the expected benefits, side effects, and risks. Consider
asking your doctor or nurse the questions below. In fact, write down
questions to take with you to your next appointment. Our information
and the information you get from your doctor should give you what you
need to know about your treatment and give you realistic expectations
about the outcome.
- What is the goal of chemotherapy for my cancer?
- What are the chances that the chemotherapy will
work?
- After chemotherapy, will I be cured, in remission, or
relieved of my symptoms?
- Are there other ways to get to the same goals?
- How will I know if the chemotherapy is working?
- If the chemotherapy does not work, are there other
treatments for me?
- What are the risks and side effects of the chemotherapy I
will be taking? How do side effects of this chemotherapy compare with
side effects of other treatments?
- How will the chemotherapy be given, how often, and for how
long?
- Where will I be given the drugs?
- What can I do to get ready for treatment and decrease the
chance of side effects?
- Will I need to change my diet in any way? My activities? My
work? Exercise? Sexual activities?
- Will I also be treated with surgery, radiation, or both? If
so, when and why? What results can I expect from each type of
treatment?
- If I have chemotherapy after surgery or radiation, will it
destroy any remaining cancer cells? Could chemotherapy be used
alone?
- Could I take part in a clinical trial ?
- How much will chemotherapy cost? Will my health insurance
cover it? If the insurance company asks for a second opinion, or if I
would like to get one, can you suggest someone for me to see?
Here are some tips for remembering your doctor’s answers:
- Take notes during your appointments. Don't feel shy about
asking your doctor to slow down if you need more time to write. Ask
questions if you don't understand something.
- If you can, use a tape recorder during your visit so you
won’t miss anything.
- Consider taking a friend or relative to your appointment to
help you understand what your doctor says during your visit and to
refresh your memory afterward.
You might want to look at the American Cancer Society booklet,
After Diagnosis: A Guide
for Patients and Families, for more information you and
your family will need to know. You can order it by calling us at 1-800-ACS-2345.
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