TALKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR AND NURSE
Some people with cancer want to know every detail about their condition
and their treatment. Others prefer only general information. The choice of
how much information to seek is yours, but there are questions that every
person getting chemotherapy should ask. These include:
- Why do I need chemotherapy?
- What are the benefits of chemotherapy?
- What are the risks of chemotherapy?
- What drug or drugs will I be taking?
- How will the drugs be given?
- Where will I get my treatments?
- How long will my treatment last?
- What are the possible side effects?
- Are there any side effects that I should report right away?
- Are there any other possible treatment methods for my type of
cancer?
This list is just a start. You always should feel free to ask your
doctor, nurse, and pharmacist as many questions as you want. If you don't
understand their answers, keep asking until you do. Remember, when it
comes to cancer and cancer treatment there is no such thing as a
"stupid" question. To make sure you get all the answers you
want, you may find it helpful to draw up a list of questions before your
appointment. Some people even keep a "running list" and jot down
each new question as it occurs to them.
To help remember your doctor's answers, you may want to take notes
during your appointment. Don't feel shy about asking your doctor to slow
down when you need more time to write. You may also ask if you can use a
tape recorder during your visit. That way, you can review your
conversation later as many times as you wish. Some doctors like this idea
and others don't, so be sure to check before you try it. Another way to
help you remember is to bring a friend or family member to sit with you
while you talk to your doctor. This person can help you understand what
your doctor says during your visit and help refresh your memory afterward.
Cancer Information Search Ends Here
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