If you have just been diagnosed or are ready to go through treatments it is important that you understand your disease and the therapies recommended. A great website, www.webmed.com has a list of questions that you should bring along to your next appointment.

Remember -- Knowledge is power!

10 Cancer Questions for Your Medical Oncologist About Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, or Immunotherapy

   1. Why are you recommending this treatment for me? Why is it preferable to others?
   2. What does this treatment do, exactly? How well does it usually work?
   3. What are the risks and side effects of this treatment?
   4. How long will I need this treatment?
   5. Where will I go to get this treatment?
   6. What should I expect from the treatment itself? How long will it take?
   7. Should I bring a friend or family member with me to treatment?
   8. After treatment, will I need time to recover? Will I be able to drive myself home? Will I need to miss work?
   9. Should I make any changes to my diet or lifestyle during or after treatment?
  10. How can I reach you if I have concerns or further questions?

10 Cancer Questions for Your Surgeon or Surgical Oncologist

   1. Why are you recommending this surgery for me? Why is this treatment preferable to others?

   2. What will this surgery accomplish, exactly? How well does it usually work?
   3. What are the risks of this operation?
   4. How should I prepare for this surgery?
   5. What will happen during the procedure?
   6. How long will I need to stay in the hospital?
   7. What will my recovery be like?
   8. What complications should I look for?
   9. When can I go back to work?
  10. How can I reach you if I have concerns or further questions?

10 Cancer Questions to Ask the Radiation Oncologist

   1. Why are you recommending this treatment for me? Why is it preferable to others?
   2. What does this radiation therapy do, exactly? How well does it usually work?
   3. What are the risks and side effects of radiation therapy?
   4. How many weeks will I need this treatment?
   5. Where will I go to get this treatment?
   6. What should I expect from the treatment itself? What will happen? How long will it last?
   7. Should I bring a friend or family member with me to treatment?
   8. After treatment, will I need time to recover? Will I need to miss work?
   9. Should I make any changes to my diet or lifestyle during or after treatment?
  10. How can I reach you if I have concerns or further questions?