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Questions and answers

Questions for the doctor: treatment

Understanding the plan before treatment starts brings calm and a sense of control.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A treatment calendar
Figure 1.A treatment calendar

01Short answer

Key questions about treatment: what is the aim (remission, control or easing symptoms)? Which medicines and how many phases, and how long will it take? Will I need to stay in hospital? What side effects are expected and how can they be reduced? Which signs mean I should call at once, and whom? Is a transplant or a clinical trial being considered for me? How will this treatment affect my work, family and fertility?

02Simple explanation

The most important question: “What is the aim of treatment?”

The second: “When and whom should I call?”

03Scientific explanation

Before treatment it is important to discuss fertility preservation (freezing sperm or eggs), because some treatments affect fertility.

Clinical trials can give access to new treatments; eligibility depends on the trial.

04What happens in the body?

The plan

“Which regimen was chosen and why?”, “How many cycles?”, “Where will it take place?”, “Are there alternatives?”

Side effects

“Which side effects are most common?”, “How do we reduce them?”, “What are the long-term effects?”, “How can I protect my fertility?”

A medicine list
Figure 2.A medicine list — Questions for the doctor: treatment

Daily life

“What can I eat?”, “Can I work?”, “Can I have visitors?”, “Whom do I call if I have a fever?”

An emergency number
Figure 3.An emergency number — Questions for the doctor: treatment

05Ask about treatment

Four topics.

Aim — What the treatment is for.1AimWhat the treatment is for.
Schedule — Phases and timing.2SchedulePhases and timing.
Side effects — What to expect and how to cope.3Side effectsWhat to expect and how to cope.
Whom to call — Emergency contact.4Whom to callEmergency contact.
A sense of controlKnowing the plan reduces fear.
SafetyEmergency contacts are clear.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
The plan“Which regimen was chosen and why?”, “How many cycles?”, “Where will it take place?”, “Are there alternatives?”
Side effects“Which side effects are most common?”, “How do we reduce them?”, “What are the long-term effects?”, “How can I protect my fertility?”
Daily life“What can I eat?”, “Can I work?”, “Can I have visitors?”, “Whom do I call if I have a fever?”

07Key terms

Regimen
The combination and schedule of drugs.
Fertility
The ability to have children.
Clinical trial
A study of a new treatment.

08Key points

  • Ask about the aim of treatment.
  • Learn the schedule and side effects.
  • Discuss fertility beforehand.
  • Get the emergency number.

09Frequently asked questions

Do I have the right to refuse treatment?

Yes, but discuss the consequences in detail with your doctor before deciding.

Should I continue my other medicines?

Show your doctor a list of all medicines and supplements.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Do I have the right to refuse treatment?

  2. Should I continue my other medicines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your Diagnosis
  5. American Cancer Society. Typical Treatment of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: absolute neutrophil count
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Support for Families When Someone Has Cancer
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  9. NHS. Blood transfusion
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjustment to Cancer: Anxiety and Distress (PDQ®)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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