Cancer.Net

Printed May 21, 2013 from http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/appendix-cancer/questions-ask-doctor

Appendix Cancer - Questions to Ask the Doctor

This section has been reviewed and approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board [1], May / 2012
Questions to Ask the Doctor

Talking often with the doctor is important [2] to make informed decisions about your health care. These suggested questions are a starting point to help you learn more about your cancer care and treatment. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you.

  • What type of appendix cancer do I have?
  • Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
  • Is the cancer considered to be localized, regional, or advanced? What does this mean?
  • What is my prognosis?
  • How often do you treat people with appendix cancer?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What clinical trials are open to me?
  • What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?
  • What is the goal of each treatment?
  • Can surgery be done to remove all of the cancer?
  • Can surgery be done to debulk the cancer? How will this help me?
  • How experienced is the surgeon with this type of operation?
  • Do you recommend chemotherapy or other treatment after surgery?
  • Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?
  • Who will be coordinating my overall treatment and follow-up care?
  • 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?
  • Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?
  • Could this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have children? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before cancer treatment begins?
  • If I’m worried about managing the costs related to my cancer care, who can help me with these concerns?
  • What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will I need them?
  • What support services are available to me? To my family?
  • Whom do I call for questions or problems?

Links:
[1] http://www.cancer.net/about-us
[2] http://www.cancer.net/questions-ask-doctor