Questions to Ask The Doctor

Regular communication with your doctor is important in making informed decisions about your health care. Consider asking the following questions of your doctor:

General questions

• What type of bladder cancer do I have?
  
  
• Is it noninvasive or invasive? What does this mean?
  
  
• Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
  
  
• What is the stage of my cancer? What does this mean?
  
  
• What are my treatment options?
  
  
• What clinical trials are open to me?
  
  
• What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?
  
  
• What is the goal of this treatment?
  
  
• What are the possible side effects of this treatment, both in the short term and the long term?
  
  
• How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?
  
  
• Do I need treatment right away?

For patients who need surgery

• Will my entire bladder be removed?
  
  
• Do you have experience with making urinary reservoirs, and can I have that type of surgery?
  
  
• What are the possible side effects of my surgery, in the short term and the long term?
  
  
• Will I need to stay in the hospital for this surgery? If so, for how long?
  
  
• Will this surgery affect my sex life?
  
  
• Will this surgery affect my fertility (ability to bear children)?

For patients who need chemotherapy/immunotherapy

• What type of therapy will I be receiving?
  
  
• How will it be delivered (through an IV, a catheter, or a pill)?
  
  
• What does the preparation for this treatment involve?
  
  
• What side effects can I expect from this treatment?
  
  
• What can be done to relieve the side effects?

For patients who need radiation therapy

• What type of radiation therapy is recommended?
  
  
• What is the goal of the radiation therapy?
  
  
• How long will it take to give the radiation therapy?
  
  
• What side effects can I expect from this treatment?
  
  
• What can be done to relieve the side effects?

After treatment

• What are the chances that the tumor will return?
  
  
• What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will I need them?
  
  
• What support services are available to me? To my family?