Ask Before Treatment Begins
These questions involve understanding the overall duration of treatments, duration of each individual treatment, dealing with side effects and physical problems such as fevers, nose bleeds and nightmares (sleep hallucinations).
ASK YOUR DOCTOR:
1. How many weeks or months will the therapy for this type of cancer take? Our daughter's protocol (schedule) required 42 months of therapy. With breaks and holdays, it lasted just over a year.
2. How many days will a typical chemothery session last? Typical sessions for us lasted 2-5 days. Lighter regimens may only require one-day treatments or portable injectors patients carry with them. Ask your doctor and get answers that make you comfortable.
3. What side effects can I expect?
4. What remedies (drugs) are recommended for each potential side effect and what are their names?
5. What are the side effects from the drugs used to counteract original side effects?
6. Are doctors willing to change from one chemo drug to another if side effects are more severe in a given drug?
7. Will the doctor be available for private consultations during the treatment process?
8. If tests at a given point indicate no trace of cancer, will the doctor recommend suspending treatment?
♦ Next, get a realistic look at Side Effects.
You are on the Questions Before Treatment page.
Updated May 17, 2010
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