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Chemotherapy
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Chemotherapy and You
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 might 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.
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