Help please. Brain is addled. What are the sensible questions I should ask when the oncologist is discussing my treatment plan? I can only think of is :Is this curable or treatable? And: what are the treatment options. My hubbie will be as addled as I am so would like to go in with a written list of questions so that we do not forget. Thank you.
Hi Princess Xena
I wrote a list and this helped me as my mind always goes a bit blank in such circumstances.
Things I would think about asking are..........
- What stage do they think it is?
-Is it contained in the womb or spread outside?
-What grade do they think it is?
-What are the chances of recurrence?
-is surgery an option and if so would it be keyhole or open surgery- and why?
-How long will I be in hospital?
- How long is my recovery expected to be? What can I do and what do I need to avoid.
-How much time will I need to be off work (if you work)
-When would surgery happen and is there anything you could do to prepare for it?
-if surgery is not an option- why?
-if it were a family member what would you be suggesting to them
-will I need or likely to need any treatment after surgery?
-would this likely be brachytherapy/external radiotherapy? What side effects would this have?
-is chemotherapy a possibility for me? What side effects would this have?
- How would the further treatment (if needed) help my chances of avoiding the cancer coming back?
-Who can I contact if I need to ask further questions after this meeting
-Do I need any further tests/pre med exams etc.
After surgery will I need to wear the surgical socks at home and will I need to do anticoagulant injections myself.
-How long will the treatments last ?
-What monitoring will I have when treatment is finished?
-Is there any possibility of a family link and is there anything in my medical history that will affect my treatment/recovery?
These are just ideas but similar to what I asked myself. Hope it helps. Good Luck with your appointment.
Jane
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Take a list in- I have done several times and they were happy to answer one by one- it also puts the focus on what is important to you to know rather than them telling you what they think you want to hear. Good Luck
