Tips for Meeting With Your Doctor
- Make a list of your questions before each appointment. Some people keep a “running list” and write down new questions as they think of them. Make sure to have space on this list to write down the answers from your doctor or nurse.
- Bring a family member or trusted friend to your medical visits. This person can help you understand what the doctor or nurse says and talks with you about it after the visit is over.
- Ask all your questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question. If you do not understand an answer, keep asking until you do.
- Take notes. You can write them down or use a tape recorder. Later, you can review your notes and remember what was said.
- Ask for printed information about your type of cancer and chemotherapy.
- Let your doctor or nurse know how much information you want to know, when you want to learn it, and when you have learned enough. Some people want to learn everything they can about cancer and its treatment. Others only want a little information. The choice is yours
Download our “Questions To Ask Your Doctor Form“
Download our “New Patient Form“
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Consider asking your doctor the following questions before treatment begins:
- What is my diagnosis?
- What is the goal of treatment? What are my treatment choices? Which do you recommend for me? Why?
- What are the expected benefits of each kind of treatment?
- What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment? How can side effects be managed?
- Will infertility be a side effect of my treatment? Can anything be done about that? Should I consider storing sperm or eggs?
- What can I do to prepare for treatment?
- How often will I have treatments? How long will my treatment last?
- Will I have to change my normal activities? If so, for how long?
- What is the treatment likely to cost? Will my insurance cover the costs?
- What new treatments are under study? Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me?
Helpful Links
Pasadena CyberKnife Center
The most advanced alternative to surgery for the treatment and removal of cancerous and non-cancerous tumors throughout the body.
Accuray
Manufacturer of the CyberKnife, an image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery device for treating tumors of the brain and solid tumors throughout the body
American Cancer Society
Provides information and resources for cancer patients and their families
American Cancer Society California Chinese Unit
American Cancer Society San Gabriel Valley Unit
50 N. Hill Ave., Suite 200
Pasadena, CA 91106
Tel: (626) 795-7774 / Fax: (626) 568-2888
Breastcancer.org
Provides the most reliable, complete, and up-to-date information about breast cancer
CyberKnife Patient Support Group
Provides detailed information on CyberKnife
Herald Cancer Association
Serving the Chinese community in the San Gabriel Valley by providing support and care for cancer patients and their family members
715 E. Mission Road, San Gabriel, CA 91776
Tel: (626) 286-2600 x 14
Lance Armstrong Foundation
A nonprofit organization founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong. It aims to unite, inspire and empower people affected by cancer
National Cancer Institute
Provides information about cancer support organizations, finances, insurance, home care, and hospice care
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
Advocates for quality cancer care for all Americans and empowers cancer survivors
OncoLink
The Web’s first cancer resource, providing comprehensive information about specific types of cancer, updates on cancer treatments and news about research advances
Prostate Cancer Foundation
A world’s leading philanthropic organization founded in 1993 to find better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
A national organization dedicated to education and research about causes, treatment, and the search for a cure for breast cancer
The Wellness Community
Provides free support, education and hope to people with cancer and their loved ones