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Before choosing chemo as a treatment option, you should
understand the expected benefits, side effects, and risks. Consider
asking your doctor or nurse the questions below. It may help you to
write down questions to take with you to your next visit. Our
information and the information you get from your doctor should give
you what you need to know about your treatment and give you a good idea
of the expected outcome.
- What is the goal of chemo for my cancer?
- What are the chances that the chemo will work?
- After chemo, 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 chemo is working?
- If the chemo does not work, are there other treatments for
me?
- What are the risks and side effects of the chemo I will be
taking? How do side effects of this chemo compare with side effects of
other treatments?
- How will I get the chemo, 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 need surgery, radiation, or both? If so, when
and why? What results can I expect from each type of treatment?
- If I have chemo after surgery or radiation, will it kill
any remaining cancer cells? Could chemo be used alone?
- Could I take part in a clinical
trial?
- How much will chemo 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 to help you remember your
doctor's answers:
- Take notes during your visits. 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 with you to help you
understand what your doctor says during your visit and to refresh your
memory afterward.
You might want to look at our booklet, After Diagnosis: A Guide for
Patients and Families for more information you and your
family will need to know.
Last
Medical Review: 08/28/2008
Last Revised: 09/11/2008
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