Of course you have questions about chemo—but where do you begin? You may feel overwhelmed with cancer terms and medical speak, but finding the answers to your questions will empower you to be an effective partner in your treatment decisions.
Ask a friend or family member to join you at your next appointment—there is a lot of information to take in and your emotions may restrict your ability to comprehend it all. Your friend or family member can help you remember what your doctor says and remind you to ask all your questions.
Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor to repeat an answer that you don’t fully understand. You want to come away from your visits armed with as much knowledge as possible. Start with the following questions. You can print a copy of this list.
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Questions about chemotherapy
- Why do I need chemo, and how might I benefit from it?
- What are the benefits of chemo? What risks should I be aware of?
- Which chemo would you recommend for me and why?
- Are there any other treatment options I should consider for my breast cancer?
- Is this type of treatment typical for patients like me?
- Are there any current clinical trials for my type of breast cancer?
Questions about your chemotherapy treatment
- How many treatments will I get?
- What kind of drugs will I be taking?
- How will I receive the drugs?
- Where will I be treated?
- How long is each treatment? Do some chemo treatments take less time to administer than others?
Questions about side effects of chemotherapy
- What type of side effects should I know about? Will I experience them right away or over time? How long will they last?
- What can I do to ease the side effects?
- What effects are likely to be related to my breast cancer?
- Are there any side effects I should be particularly worried about? If so, should I call you right away if I experience any of them?
- Can I speak to anyone after hours about my treatment or any side effects I may be experiencing? Whom should I contact?
Keeping track of the information you learn during doctor’s visits may help you better understand your chemo options and treatment goals. Talk to your doctor about chemo.