Questions to Ask Your Doctor

If you've been recently diagnosed with testicular 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 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 office may be able to answer your questions. You may also want to ask if there is any patient literature 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 testicular cancer?
• Is it likely to spread?
• Should I get a second opinion?
• What symptoms commonly occur with testicular cancer? Can I expect them to develop or get worse?

Tests

• What type of lab tests will I need?
• Will I need x-rays and scans?
• Can you explain the results of my complete blood count (CBC)?
• Will I benefit from having my cancer evaluated for its genetic makeup?
• How frequently will I get the tests?

Treatment

• Do you typically treat patients with my diagnosis?
• Is there anything unique about my cancer that makes my prognosis better or worse?
• Should I get a second opinion?
• What is the goal of treatment—to cure my testicular cancer or stop it from growing?
• What are my treatment options?
• How can each treatment option help me achieve my goals for therapy?
• What risks or potential side effects are associated with each treatment?
• What research studies (“clinical trials”) are available?
• Are there any clinical trials that are right for me?
• How long will I receive treatment, how often, and where?
• How will it be given?
• How will I know if the treatment is working?
• How might a disruption in my chemotherapy dose or timing 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 with another of your patients who has received this treatment?
• Are there any resources or websites you recommend for more information?

Surgery

• What kind of surgery are you recommending?
• How might this surgery affect my fertility and sexuality?
• Should I consider sperm-banking?
• Is nerve-sparing surgery an option for my type of testicular cancer?
• Should I consider sperm banking before having surgery?

Radiation

• What side effects can I expect after radiation treatment?
• Will I have blistering, swelling, or bleeding at the radiation site? How should I take care of the treated area?

Chemotherapy

• What are the names of the drugs that will be used?
• Why are you recommending those particular drugs?
• Is there evidence that they are more effective than other chemotherapy and anticancer drugs?
• How many treatments will I need?
• How will the treatments be given?
• Can I go home afterwards?
• What will I feel like after my treatments?
• What are the possible side effects of these treatments?
• Will my hair fall out? Will I be nauseous?
• Will I be able to work? Will I be able to take care of my spouse, children, and other family members?
• Is there anything I can do to lessen the side effects?
• Are there any medications that I can take that would help with side effects?
• Can I eat all kinds of food?
• Can I drink alcohol?

Side Effects of Treatment

• Will the treatments affect my fertility or sexual function?
• What other possible side effects should I prepare for?
• When might they start?
• How can I prepare for them or lessen their impact?
• Are there treatments that can 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?
• How can I best monitor myself for complications related to either my disease or my treatment?

Protecting Against Infection

• Will my type of 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 for infection?
• What are the signs of infection?
• How serious is an infection?
• How long will I be at risk for infection?
• What should I do if I have a fever?
• How are infections treated?

Daily Activities

• How will my testicular 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 kids?
• Are there any activities I should avoid during my chemotherapy?

What to Expect After Treatment

• How often should I get checkups after I have completed treatment?
• What specific signs and symptoms should I be especially alert for?
• What are the chances that the cancer will reoccur?
• If the cancer reoccurs, how likely is it that further treatment will be successful?
• 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 frequently 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?