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Communicating effectively with your health care team is crucial in being
informed about the diagnosis of your disease. Don't be afraid to ask
questions or get a second opinion. YOu may want to bring a friend, a
caregiver, a relative with you to help you remember questions and
answers and to make notes. Or, you could bring a tape recorder with you
during these consultations and sessions with your doctor.
It is also important to get your healthcare team to treat you as a whole
person, not just cells inside a body. Let the team know about what you
do for a living, your family situation and your future goals or plans.
Be sure to discuss what impact treatments may have on your life.
There are many specific questions about certain diseases; however, below
are listed suggestions for general questions you should ask at the time
of your diagnosis and follow-up sessions, and questions about continuing
care.
QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT THE DIAGNOSIS
1-What is My Diagnosis
2-What is the stage of the disease"
3-Is it localized? Is it extended around an organ? Has it spread?
4-Is my condition genetic
5-Is the diagnosis uncertain?
6-What should I tell my children and other family members?
7-Where can I go for counseling
QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT TREATMENT OPTIONS
1-What are my treatment choices? Which do you recommend for me and why?
2-How, where, when and how often will treatment be given?
3-What is the goal of treatment-cure or control of my symptoms
4-Is the treatment experimental, controversial or risky?
5-What are some of the possible side effects?
6-Are there safe and effective treatments to control these side effects
7-HOw much time may I take to weigh my treatment options without harming
my chances for recovery
8-What happens if I skip one of more treatment sessions due to side
effects or scheduling problems
9-How will I know if the treatment is working?
10-How long will treatment last
11-What are the names of the drugs I will take
12-May I drink alcoholic beverages
13-Are there any special foods I should or should not eat
14-Will I have to change my normal activities
15-Will I be able to have children after treatment
16-Are there options to preserve my fertility prior to treatment
17-What are some signs of infection that may occur during treatment
18-Would this treatment aggravate or intensify any medical condition I
already have
19-Will there be interactions with other medications I am taking
20-Does my age influence the side effects
21-Since my mouth may be affected by treatment, should I see a dentist
before starting treatment
22-Will the treatment affect me emotionally or sexually
23-What will happen if I decide to do nothing
24-Are there other options
25-When treatments are completed, how often would I need to see you?
Would other therapies be needed
26-Will the disease or treatment affect my ability to work or care for
my family
27-will my insurance or managed care plan cover the costs of treatment.
GENERAL QUESTIONS TO ASK
1- HOw much experience does my oncologist have with this particular
cancer
2-What about 2nd opinions
3-Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me
4-what is the best time to call you if I have a question
5-what about support groups
AFTER TREATMENT IS COMPLETED
1-What kind of diet should I have
2-What kind of exercise should I do
3-What precautions should I take regarding general healthcare, diet and
exercise.
HOpe this comprehensive questionnaire benefits you in your quest to
learn, be educated so that you can take charge and proceed with your
wellness plans.
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