Be prepared. Make the most of every doctor’s appointment by writing down a list of questions in advance and make notes about what your doctors tell you. Keep all the information you receive together in one place.
Stronger together: If you can, always bring a friend or a loved one, who is supporting you, to every appointment. This will ensure that all your queries are addressed and that you fully grasp the information being provided by your doctor
Some suggested questions
The following list is not exhaustive and you may not want to ask all these questions, but these might help suggest questions to be asked from your doctor:
- What are my treatment options?
- Which do you recommend for me and why?
- Will the recommended treatment disqualify me from any other treatment options I may need if I relapse or if I am refractory (disease does not respond to treatment) to this current treatment?
- What is the goal of treatment?
- What are the expected benefits of each type of treatment?
- How will we know if the treatment is working?
- What tests will I need to have to see if it is working?
- What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
- Can these risks and side effects be prevented or controlled?
- What should I do to take care of myself before and during treatment?
- Are there any late or long-term side effects?
- How long will each treatment session last?
- What are the chances that the treatment will be successful?
- How will the treatment affect my normal life and activities?
- Should I take care of other medical or dental issues before I start treatment?