Questions To Ask Your Doctor

If you've been recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you probably have many thoughts running through your head and you may feel unable to think clearly. Your doctor will understand this. You should feel free to ask questions about any concerns you may have. Be sure to take a pen and pad with you, as you probably won't remember all the answers. If the doctor uses words you don't understand, ask for an explanation.

You should feel free to ask your doctor any question. You have the right to have your concerns answered. If your doctor does not have time to give you all the information you need, the nursing staff in his or her office may be able to answer your questions. You may also want to ask if any patient literature is available.

If possible, bring a spouse, friend, or relative with you. They can take notes from your conversation with the doctor. You may even want to tape record your discussion so you can replay the answers to your questions at a later time. Of course, you must first ask your doctor's permission to do this.

Here is a list of questions you may want to ask. These are only suggestions; you should feel free to replace any or all with questions of your own.

About Your Cancer

• Do you typically treat patients with my diagnosis?
• What stage is my cancer?
• Is there anything unique about my cancer that makes my prognosis better or worse?
• Should I get a second opinion?

Tests

• What types of lab tests will I need?
• What is CA19-9?
• Will I need x-rays and scans?
• What do the results of my complete blood count (CBC) mean?
• Are there tests for the genetic makeup of my cancer?
• Should I have my cancer evaluated for its genetic makeup?
• How frequently will I get the tests?

Treatment

• What is the goal of treatment—to cure my cancer or stop it from growing?
• What are my treatment options?
• How can each treatment option help me achieve my therapy goal?
• Are there any clinical trials that are right for me?
• How long will I receive treatment, how often, and where?
• How will the treatment(s) be given?
• How will I know if the treatment is working?
• If I stop my chemotherapy for a while, how would that affect my results?
• How and when will I be able to tell whether the treatment is working?
• What are the names of all the drugs I will be taking?
• Can I talk to another patient who has received this treatment?
• Do you recommend any resources or websites for more information?

Side Effects of Treatment

• What risks or potential side effects are associated with each treatment?
• When are they likely to start?
• Will the side effects get better or worse over time?
• How can I prepare for them or lessen their impact?
• Can treatments help relieve the side effects? What are they? Do you usually recommend or prescribe them?
• Which risks are most serious?
• Will I require blood transfusions? Why or why not?

Protecting Against Infection

• Will my chemotherapy put me at risk for a low white blood cell count and infection?
• Can I help protect myself against infection right from the start of chemotherapy, instead of waiting until problems develop?
• Am I at special risk of infection?
• What are the signs of infection?
• How serious is an infection?
• How long will I be at risk of infection?
• What should I do if I have a fever?
• How are infections treated?

Daily Activities

• How will my cancer treatment affect my usual activities?
• Will I be able to work?
• Will I need to stay in the hospital?
• Will I need someone to help me at home?
• Will I need help taking care of my children?
• Should I avoid any activities during my chemotherapy?

What to Expect After Treatment

• What happens after I complete my treatment?
• How can I best continue to monitor myself for complications related to either my disease or my treatment?
• What kind of lab tests will I need?
• How often should I get those lab tests?
• What types of x-rays and scans will I need?
• How often do I need to come in for checkups?
• When will you know if I am cured?
• What happens if my disease comes back? 

This content has been reviewed and approved by Myo Thant, MD.