Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Chemotherapy Treatments
Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with drugs that can
destroy cancer cells. These drugs often are called "anti-cancer"
drugs. Your doctor will recommend an appropriate chemotherapy
plan based on your medical history, type of cancer, extent of
cancer, current state of health, and updated research.
Many people hear about chemotherapy from friends and family or
read about it in books or brochures. What you hear and read can
give you a general idea about chemotherapy treatments; however,
all of the information may not apply to you and your specific
situation. Before deciding to begin chemotherapy, you should ask
your doctor questions that will help you understand treatment
and what to expect during treatments.
Some of the important questions to ask your doctor are:
* Why do I need chemotherapy?
* What are the risks of chemotherapy?
* What are the benefits of chemotherapy?
* What do you hope the chemotherapy will do for me?
* What are the specifics of chemotherapy treatments in my case?
* Are there any other possible treatment methods for my type of
cancer?
* What type of chemotherapy drugs will I be given?
* How will the chemotherapy drugs be given to me?
* How long will I be receiving chemotherapy treatments?
* How long will each treatment last?
* Who will give me the treatments?
* How will I feel during chemotherapy?
* What are the short term side effects of chemotherapy?
* Are there any long term side effects of chemotherapy?
* How soon can I expect any side effects to occur and how long
will they last?
* What can I do to prepare for any side effects?
* Are there medicines available to help me manage any side
effects I may have?
* Can I continue to work or go to school during treatment?
* Will I see a doctor at each treatment?
* Should I bring a family member or friend along to each
treatment?
* Will I need someone to drive me to and from treatments?
* How will we know if the chemotherapy treatments are working?
* After I finish chemotherapy, what kind of follow-up care will
I receive?
* What activities should I do or not do to take care of myself?
* Are there any clinical trials for my type of cancer?
* What other resources offer information and support for
chemotherapy patients?
When you sit down and ask the doctor these important questions
regarding chemotherapy, the following tips might help you keep
track of the information you learn during visits with your
doctor:
* Bring a friend or family member to sit with you while you talk
with your doctor. This will help you understand what your doctor
says during your visit and they can help refresh your memory
afterward.
* Ask your doctor for printed information that is available on
your specific type of cancer and treatment.
* Take notes during your appointment. If you need more time to
write ask your doctor to talk slowly.
* You may want to ask if you can use a tape recorder during your
visit. Take notes from the tape after the visit is finished.
That way, you can review your conversation later as many times
as you wish.
Chemotherapy is difficult for anyone to undertake but if you are
prepared by knowing what to expect throughout the treatment you
may be able to handle it better both physically and mentally.