Ask Your Neuro-oncologist. Bring a notebook or recorder, and ask away! Jul 27, 2017 · As a radiation oncologist at MD Anderson in The Woodlands, I get a lot of questions from my patients about how radiation therapy will affect them, what side effects they can expect and whether the treatment is safe. A cancer diagnosis is less daunting than it used to be. We're here to help. – 5 p. Most doctors don’t mind. Is my recurrence in the same spot or close by? Is my recurrence the same tumor type and grade as my original tumor? If not, what tumor type and grade is it? Has my cancer spread to other areas? Richard Burkhart, M. It is up to you how much you want to know about your cancer and the treatment. Let’s get started. You might also find it helpful to bring a friend or family member with you to your appointments to help you take notes and remember information. Use the hand-held mirror to look behind your ears, the back of your neck and the top of your scalp. Diagnosis, treatment, and for the rest of your life, you’ll go through many phases in your breast cancer experience and it’s normal to have questions about all of them. Here are some questions you might want to ask: Or you might want to ask if you qualify for any clinical trials. What would my options be if the cancer does come back? Along with these sample questions, be sure to write down any of your own. Helpful Questions to Ask Your Oncologist When You Have Cancer. No one should face pancreatic cancer alone. Your oncologist may share a lot of information with you. Getting a diagnosis of cancer for your beloved pet is difficult. Nov 30, 2017 · If you've been diagnosed with cancer, there are several key questions about cancer treatment and your heart that you should ask your health care professional during your next visit. You may want to start with these questions. 20 Questions For Your Oncologist is a compilation of essential questions submitted by doctors, survivors, patients and their loved ones. Do I need to bring someone with me for each treatment? Nov 15, 2019 · At Nebraska Medicine we have an expert team that will help guide you and your family through the treatment. For instance, you might want to ask about recovery times so that you can plan your work or activity schedule, or you may want to ask if there are clinical trials you might be eligible for. You can find out more about speaking with your health care team in Talking With Your Mar 24, 2020 · Anytime you visit a physician or specialist regarding cancer, it is in your best interest to get as much information as possible. I titled this “20 Questions For Your Oncologist”. (877) 272-6226. Knowledge that can help you make informed decisions. Here is a list of questions about metastatic breast cancer that you may find helpful to ask your doctor. What will my options be if the cancer comes back? Along with these examples, be sure to write down some questions of your own. Ask a partner or spouse to look at your back, the backs of your knees or other places that are hard to see. The following is a list of questions that are usually addressed before starting treatment. In some cases, additional testing can help clarify a diagnosis or even guide treatment. , “Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Advanced Cancer was originally published by the National Cancer Institute. Here are some questions you might want to ask: A medical oncologist is a doctor who prescribes chemotherapy and other medications for the treatment of cancer. Oct 30, 2023 · How Can My Care Team Help? If you have CLL, you probably have more than just one doctor at your disposal. Take a friend or family member to your appointment to help ask questions or write down information. PST You can also contact us using the below form. 1. Mar 2, 2023 · Receiving a diagnosis of lung cancer can be distressing. Feb 8, 2024 · Overall, most oncology practices are small and employ between one and five oncologists. Question sheets for you take to your appointments to make sure you get the information you need from your healthcare team. Treatment Questions. If you can, record your visit so you won’t miss anything. In reality, it’s more like 50 questions. Nov 11, 2022 · Questions to Ask Your Child’s Oncologist. To find out more about speaking with your health care team, see The Doctor-Patient Relationship. Your cancer doctor or specialist nurse will answer any questions you have. We can connect you with trained cancer information specialists who will answer questions about a cancer diagnosis and provide guidance and a compassionate ear. Or you may want to ask about clinical trials for which you qualify. Below I have compiled a list of questions I recommend all my patients with pancreatic cancer ask their oncology team. She maintains her clinical practice at The Animal Medical Center in New York City, providing primary care to her long-term patients and specialty care to pets with cancer and blood disorders. When additional questions come to mind, you might find it helpful to write them down so that you can remember to ask them at your next appointment. Edward Tanner, chief of gynecologic oncology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Oct 20, 2015 · foundly affect the decision and decisions that you make going forward. Or use a recording app on your smartphone. If you’re not sure what you should ask your breast cancer specialist, the following questions can help you get a conversation started: What kind of breast cancer do I have? May 27, 2022 · Starting with the top of your head, look for new spots, irregular or raised spots or spots that have changed or grown since your last exam. Coping with a diagnosis of cancer and researching the various treatment options can be stressful. Here’s a list of questions people typically ask after receiving a diagnosis. When your rare brain or spine tumor comes back or begins to grow after treatment, your doctor calls it a recurrence. The challenge is made even greater by ongoing improvements in how we manage breast cancer. It’s perfectly natural to have tons of questions in your mind about chemotherapy. It will also make it easier to address the questions loved ones and friends may ask you. , a surgical oncologist at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, answers frequently asked questions about liver cancer: What are the symptoms of liver cancer? Symptoms of liver cancer include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), pain, easy bruising or bleeding, and weight loss. Mar 18, 2022 · Being ready with questions to ask your oncologist can help put you back in control after hearing the scary news of a cancer diagnosis. It’s always a good idea to have a friend or listen in – even if it’s by phone – to take notes for you and provide support. Sep 28, 2017 · If ever you don’t feel comfortable with the diagnosis you’ve received or the treatment your doctor recommends, get a second opinion. Your next steps could be critical to your survival, or the survival of someone you care about. Here are some helpful questions to consider asking your surgical oncologist: May 16, 2024 · Here are 13 questions to ask your health care provider if you've been given a prostate cancer diagnosis. They can be divided into several categories. Jul 1, 2024 · Asking questions empowers you with knowledge about your condition, treatment options, and potential outcomes. This will allow you to better understand your treatment options. Oct 30, 2023 · Here are some questions to ask your neuro-oncologist to help you determine the best treatment for you. -Record the conversation with your doctor on your phone for future reference. But the statistics also say that there’s a good chance all 12 of you may still be alive five years after your diagnoses, thanks to increased awareness, early detection and advances in treatment. Questions To Ask an Oncologist During Your First Visit After a Cancer Diagnosis Wednesday,hDecember 7, 2022 MSK head and neck surgeon Marc Cohen (left) recommends asking your oncologist if you should have additional testing. You can continue to ask your healthcare team questions during your treatment. Aug 28, 2020 · Your doctor will diagnose renal cell carcinoma using imaging tests like computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and ultrasound. Oct 2, 2020 · If you are a man in a room with 99 other men, chances are 12 of you will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in your lives. Keep in mind that doctors aren’t the only ones who can give you information. After Aug 5, 2022 · As you start your cancer treatment, this also helps you feel more comfortable communicating with your oncologist. However, you may not know where to start. 2. We’re here for you with questions you can ask your doctor when you’re ready to have those conversations. What Type of Cancer Do I Have? Along with these sample questions, be sure to write down some of your own. D. Some topics might not be relevant to you, or only become relevant at certain points. Aug 8, 2012 · Dr. During the first oncology consultation, an oncologist may ask about health history On this page, we’ve listed some of the questions you might like to ask your medical team if you’ve been diagnosed with lymphoma. Sep 28, 2021 · Here are ten questions we learned to ask our oncologist. Make sure you get the answers to your questions. And some of the medical terms may 10 Questions You Should Ask Your Veterinary Oncologist. Nov 1, 2019 · Whichever staging system your doctor uses, understanding exactly what your stage means and how it impacts your prognosis can be hard on your own. About the cancer Jun 21, 2019 · Questions To Ask The Oncologist About Chemotherapy. What type and stage of cancer do I have? What is the role of radiation treatment for my type of 251 18th Street South 8th Floor Arlington, VA 22202 Telephone: 703-502-1550 www. The following list of questions will help you get off to a great start with your doctors. "Occasionally, women will be Jun 26, 2013 · Write down your questions before your appointment. Tell your doctor if you don't understand something. With these questions, you will have the tools you need to understand your situation, evaluate your doctor, and move forward with confidence!1. You might also find it helpful to have a family member or friend accompany you, take notes and provide support so that you can focus on getting the information you need from your treatment team. The guide includes a 1-hour audio program, a transcript to follow along and take notes, and a printable question list. 2 . Sometimes it’s not possible to give a definite answer, but your treatment team should be able to explain why if this is the Mar 26, 2024 · An oncologist shares 10 key questions about breast cancer that you should ask your doctor after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. Doctors lead the care team which may include: a medical oncologist, surgical oncologist, hematologist, radiation oncologist, radiologist, pain specialist and other specialists. Vanderbilt offers the region’s most complete range of oncology care, from advanced imaging to team-based treatment options to genetic cancer medicine and the latest in therapies being studied in clinical trials. What to ask your oncologist. There are many factors to consider when making a decision about cancer treatment, such as: How the effectiveness will help length the life of my pet? What will the quality of my pet’s life be versus the cost? You can ask questions about anything you do not understand. Mon – Fri, 7 a. Partnering with you and your family will be our staff of highly qualified professionals. Here are some tips to help you remember your doctor’s answers: Take notes during your visits. S. Questions you may want to ask your oncologist before choosing a treatment plan include: Apr 12, 2019 · As someone who went through this process as an AML patient, I can vouch for the great advice in this article. Written by Stacy Simon. Oct 19, 2023 · Questions to Ask Your Breast Cancer Doctor (Medical Oncologist) Asking and knowing the type and stage of your cancer and if it is invasive or not (ductal carcinoma in situ DCIS) is very important because that will determine treatment. To learn more about speaking with your health care team, see Talking With Your Doctor. If your doctor isn’t sure of your diagnosis, but thinks there’s a chance you might have cancer, you can ask: “If you were in my place, which doctor would you see first?” Ask for at least 2 or 3 names, and find out what these doctors’ specialties are. If you’ve just been diagnosed with cancer, you undoubtedly have many questions for your doctor. This sheet also has space to take notes, so you have the Jun 18, 2022 · Learn more. Nurses, social workers, and other members of your treatment team may also be able to answer many of your questions. Learn how we can support you. Along with these sample questions, be sure to write down some of your own. To find out more about speaking with your health care team, see The Doctor-Patient Our 24/7 cancer helpline provides information and answers for people dealing with cancer. Discussing these questions with your family, friends or loved ones may be helpful when it comes to organising your thoughts. Our 24/7 cancer helpline provides information and answers for people dealing with cancer. Go at your own pace and ask as many or as few Dr. Your oncologist may also provide information to help family members support and care for you throughout your treatment. What type of pancreatic cancer do I have? As you cope with cancer, you need to have honest, open talks with your doctor. It is good to have important questions written down to make sure they are answered when you talk with your doctor. The type of questions you have are likely to change depending on what stage of treatment you are in. Prioritize the list and ask your most important questions first. What kind of lung cancer do I have? Apr 1, 2022 · In the case of permitted digital reproduction, please credit the National Cancer Institute as the source and link to the original NCI product using the original product's title; e. Here are several of the questions you may want to ask at your first appointment. Here are some critical questions to ask your oncologist to help empower your cancer journey. But, it’s not uncommon for patients to avoid asking healthcare providers some questions, although this is a highly recommended practice. Fortunately, for many kinds of cancer, scientific knowledge, treatments and health outcomes are continually improving Our 24/7 cancer helpline provides information and answers for people dealing with cancer. org what they're getting into, and they don’t know the right questions to ask. With the right oncologist, you should feel comfortable asking questions, confident in your understanding of your treatment plan, and well supported throughout the process. If you ask the wrong questions, or don’t ask enough questions, then you could make the wrong deci-sions To get the most out of your visit you might consider: requesting a longer appointment if you have a number of issues to discuss; preparing your questions beforehand; taking a friend or relative for support, or writing down answers to your questions if possible; asking your doctor to explain again, if you don't understand the answers Apr 7, 2023 · Questions to ask your surgical oncologist Knowing what to expect during surgery may help patients and their loved ones feel better about their treatment choices. Dec 22, 2022 · If you're diagnosed with cancer, you may have a lot of questions. For instance, you might want more information about recovery times so that you can plan your work or activity schedule. This list should serve as a way to start a conversation with your oncologist, but is by no means an exhaustive list of the only questions you should ask. Medically Reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD on November 11, 2022. If you want to learn more about your cancer diagnosis and treatment, make sure you understand the basics first. One way to do this is to ask your oncologist the right questions. Knowing what to ask your doctor is a challenge for the newly diagnosed. Oct 27, 2022 · You are having radiation therapy. Use these questions to determine the best treatment for a recurrence. There are several questions doctors ask patients during oncology appointments. To assist you in this process, below is a list of questions you may want to ask your radiation oncologist if you are considering radiation treatment. Open dialogue with your care team also builds trusting relationships. Bring a pen and paper, or take notes on your phone. These questions will ensure that you and your doctor have talked about major risk factors so that you can stay as healthy as possible. Copy the questions that you want to use onto a notepad or tablet to take to your doctors appointment. You have options – for cancer treatment, and for whom your treating oncologist will be. Questions about Cancer Treatment. Find out what to ask your doctor about your cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care. You should feel free to ask any question, no matter how small it might seem. Healthcare professionals know it’s important for your wellbeing to have your questions answered. While your oncologist may be the best person to go to with clinical questions, don’t Feb 22, 2023 · You may want to ask your doctor some of the following questions before you decide on your cancer treatment. Ask questions if you don’t understand something. It had a nice ring to it. Mar 24, 2023 · Find out what you should to bring to your appointment and what questions you should ask your doctor. You may also want to ask about clinical trials for which you may qualify. Feb 14, 2023 · Ask your oncologist if a clinical trial is a good option for you now or in the future. What type of cancer do I have, how is it staged, and what does that mean? You want to make sure you understand your current state. Heather Sentkoski, a clinical social worker who was here at Johns Hopkins, compiled the following list of suggestions as a guideline. They might not all be relevant to you, but they could give you an idea of what to think about and help you get more information from your meetings. You may not use all 50 Sep 15, 2023 · Questions to Ask When Choosing a Treatment Plan . g. He discusses a study that points out the incredib Dec 23, 2022 · However, being an active participant in your cancer journey is essential. You may receive radiation therapy by itself or also have other treatments (such as surgery, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy) at the same time. Don’t feel shy about asking your doctor to slow down if you need more time to write. says Dr. Once you’re in an exam room, your oncologist will review your medical history, perform any additional physical exams, tests, or lab work needed, and discuss your potential cancer treatment options. There can be a lot of information, so you may want to take notes or ask your treatment team to write things down. Other health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, might be able to answer some of your questions. You have to be an advocate for yourself. We compiled a list of 7 basic questions to ask your oncologist when discussing possible treatments. ” be. Sep 16, 2016 · Ask the questions you need to ask to understand your diagnosis and cancer stage. Other health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, can answer some of your questions. Jun 7, 2024 · A staff member will likely take your height, weight, and blood pressure. Don’t think that your oncologist doesn’t want you to ask them If you plan to have children, discuss your fertility preservation options with your oncologist. This will help you make sure you’re not left with any lingering questions — and give you the opportunity to refer back to the answers later. Cancer Death Rates since 1975 27 A FEW TIPS-You don't have to ask all of the questions. If you still might want to have children, ask how treatment might affect this. Questions to ask after your diagnosis Feb 26, 2014 · For example, on pages 260 – 261, it provides this helpful list of questions to ask your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist when considering chemotherapy for your dog (the same questions are helpful when coping with feline cancer too). Here are my answers to some of their frequently asked questions. Feb 16, 2021 · What questions should you ask your doctor? Getty Images. You’ll probably have different questions for each of these individuals. Asking the right questions when choosing a treatment plan ensures you have an active role in all of your treatment-related decisions. What Does My Family Need to Know? Some cancers have a genetic component, and other family members may need to be tested. Routine Health Screenings Everyone Needs. If you don’t feel you have had an answer to your question, ask again. m. astro. Ann Hohenhaus, a practicing veterinarian for 25 years, is board-certified in both oncology and internal medicine. So, if your concerns get blown off by your regular doctor, get a second opinion. Will my insurance cover the cost? Meet Your Care Team. Bring a notebook or recorder. This overview will cover the basic facts about hematologic oncologists, including: What is a hematologic oncologist? What training do hematologic oncologists receive? Why would a patient see a hematologic oncologist? Questions to ask the hematologic oncologist Questions to Ask About Your Cancer Because the types of treatment for early-stage prostate cancer (surgery and radiation therapy) are so different from each other, it’s important to also discuss the questions specific to the treatment type: what to ask when you’re considering surgery; and what to ask when you’re considering radiation therapy. If you ask the right questions, you will get some very interesting answers that will pro-foundly affect the decision and decisions that you make going forward. Feb 20, 2016 · List of Questions 2-5 Audio Transcript 5-26 Appendix: U. If you think you may have cancer or your doctor suspects that you do, there are important questions you should ask your oncologist to enable you to make well-informed decisions and know what to expect throughout your treatment journey. You could also bring a friend or family/whānau member with you to your appointment. The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is a national leader in patient care and research. And you know your body better than anyone else. Questions to Ask if You Have A Recurrence. If you can, write down the physician’s answers and take notes, or record your visit if they allow it. Oct 25, 2017 · Our 24/7 cancer helpline provides information and answers for people dealing with cancer. There is a lot to learn about cancer. What Caused My Child’s Cancer? Where Will My Child Be Treated? May 16, 2019 · Many breast cancers involve treatment not only by a medical oncologist but also a surgical oncologist and radiation oncologist. The answers can help you better understand your diagnosis and Oct 23, 2019 · Knowledge is power. Here are some questions to ask your neuro-oncologist to help you determine the best Since every patient has a unique case, your doctors are your best source of information and you have every right to ask them questions. A cancer diagnosis is life-changing. Asking for clarification can be really helpful. For instance, you might want to ask about recovery time so that you can plan your work or activity schedule. What are treatments for my type and stage of cancer? Where can I find more information about the types of cancer treatments? What are the benefits and risks of each of these treatments? Or you may want to ask about clinical trials. What do you expect to happen as a result of the treatment(s) you recommend? Apr 28, 2022 · It’s a good idea to bring a list of questions to your first appointment with your radiation oncologist. This is an uncomfortable conversation…and it's uncomfortable A radiation oncologist is a doctor who prescribes radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer, benign tumors, and other conditions. Do your best to get answers to all of these questions before you agree to any treatment plan, and remember the Four Pillars of Precision Oncology (see our e-book and website for Metastatic Breast Cancer: Questions to Ask Your Oncologist. For example, you might want more information about recovery times so you can plan your work or activity schedule. Questions to ask your oncologist about breast cancer. 20 Questions to Ask Your Oncologist. Jun 2, 2020 · Just be sure to get your doctor’s consent beforehand. If you ask the wrong questions, or don’t ask enough questions, then you could make the wrong deci-sions. Not all patients will require treatment. Peter Glidden explains why we still have a 'war on cancer' when it was started more than 40 years ago. But first ask your doctor if it’s OK to record In many cases, the doctor will suggest another doctor even if you don’t ask. Mar 9, 2022 · Finding a doctor and healthcare team you trust is critically important when treating ovarian cancer. Clinical trials can give patients access to new treatments that might not be available otherwise, and they help researchers develop better treatments for all patients. This is a type of treatment that uses high-powered x-rays or particles to kill cancer cells. Or you might want to ask about clinical trials that might be right for you. Here, we’ll focus on questions for your breast oncologist. Download a PDF worksheet with general questions and get more information by cancer type. In particular, the point about taking a companion to your visit(s) is excellent – another set of eyes & ears is really helpful to process all the information you’ll hear, especially during what can be a stressful time. You might also want to ask about clinical trials for which you may qualify. During this appointment, you Few women (or men) are truly prepared to receive a breast cancer diagnosis. Understanding your disease and how it’s treated is important, so don’t be shy about asking straightforward questions about your oncologist’s subspecialty, experience and access to clinical trials. xy sl sf eu iw of en xm xd fy