Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is never easy, especially if it is a rare form like malignant mesothelioma. Luckily, large amounts of information are available to individuals suffering with this disease, their families, and their loved ones. In order to prepare yourself for what lies ahead, you will need to discuss your problem with a physician. You will also need to know about your current condition, your treatment options, and the effects and risks of those treatments. This can be an intimidating process, and many people find themselves unable to think of the right questions when the time comes. Provided here are some questions you may consider asking your doctor.
Types
What type of mesothelioma do I have?
How are these types different?
Mesothelioma can occur in the pleura (chest lining), peritoneum (abdominal lining), or pericardium (sac around the heart). Each type has slightly different symptoms and treatments. It is important to know which type you have.
Stages
At what stage is my cancer?
What does that mean?
Will my stage change?
Like all cancers, the stages of mesothelioma are ranked by factors like the extent to which the cancer has metastasized, or spread throughout the body. The stages progress from Ia (one-A, least severe) to IV (four, most severe). Your prognosis depends greatly on the stage of the cancer.
Treatment
What are my options for treatment?
Which would you recommend and why?
How likely is the cancer to recur with this treatment?
What are the risks and side effects of this treatment?
How long will it take, both for the treatment itself and for recovery?
How can I prepare myself for this treatment?
You will need to understand all of your treatment options and be ready to discuss their potential implications with your doctor, so as to be involved in these decisions. Knowing what to expect and possible side effects ahead of time will minimize surprises during the course of your treatment.
Prognosis
How likely is my condition to be curable?
What is my prognosis?
How good are my long-term chances of survival?
While these may be among the most difficult questions to ask and their answers hardest to face, it is important that you be as aware as possible about the reality of your situation. Again, knowing what to expect will lower the chance of an unpleasant surprise later on and allow you to remain realistic.
Options
Are there differing medical opinions for those in my situation?
Would you recommend a second opinion?
Do not be afraid to discuss with your doctor any thoughts that you might have. Many physicians will approve of obtaining a second opinion, especially for a difficult diagnosis such as this. Another doctor may have different information to provide you. Getting a second opinion may help you feel involved in the process of your diagnosis and treatment and will help you make a knowledgeable decision.
Clinical Trials
Are there any clinical trials available to patients with my type and stage of mesothelioma?
What are the risks of these trials?
Treatments that are still in the clinical trial stage may not be officially approved for the general public, but may be an option for you if the risks are acceptable. If you decide that a clinical trial is a viable option, be sure to discuss this in depth with your doctor.
Discussing such a serious diagnosis with a medical professional can be an intimidating experience, so having a list of prepared questions or discussion topics can be helpful. Let your doctor know that you want him or her to answer your questions thoroughly. Listen carefully to what your doctor tells you and write the information down. If you forget a question or think of something important later, be sure to jot it down to ask at a later visit.
Types
What type of mesothelioma do I have?
How are these types different?
Mesothelioma can occur in the pleura (chest lining), peritoneum (abdominal lining), or pericardium (sac around the heart). Each type has slightly different symptoms and treatments. It is important to know which type you have.
Stages
At what stage is my cancer?
What does that mean?
Will my stage change?
Like all cancers, the stages of mesothelioma are ranked by factors like the extent to which the cancer has metastasized, or spread throughout the body. The stages progress from Ia (one-A, least severe) to IV (four, most severe). Your prognosis depends greatly on the stage of the cancer.
Treatment
What are my options for treatment?
Which would you recommend and why?
How likely is the cancer to recur with this treatment?
What are the risks and side effects of this treatment?
How long will it take, both for the treatment itself and for recovery?
How can I prepare myself for this treatment?
You will need to understand all of your treatment options and be ready to discuss their potential implications with your doctor, so as to be involved in these decisions. Knowing what to expect and possible side effects ahead of time will minimize surprises during the course of your treatment.
Prognosis
How likely is my condition to be curable?
What is my prognosis?
How good are my long-term chances of survival?
While these may be among the most difficult questions to ask and their answers hardest to face, it is important that you be as aware as possible about the reality of your situation. Again, knowing what to expect will lower the chance of an unpleasant surprise later on and allow you to remain realistic.
Options
Are there differing medical opinions for those in my situation?
Would you recommend a second opinion?
Do not be afraid to discuss with your doctor any thoughts that you might have. Many physicians will approve of obtaining a second opinion, especially for a difficult diagnosis such as this. Another doctor may have different information to provide you. Getting a second opinion may help you feel involved in the process of your diagnosis and treatment and will help you make a knowledgeable decision.
Clinical Trials
Are there any clinical trials available to patients with my type and stage of mesothelioma?
What are the risks of these trials?
Treatments that are still in the clinical trial stage may not be officially approved for the general public, but may be an option for you if the risks are acceptable. If you decide that a clinical trial is a viable option, be sure to discuss this in depth with your doctor.
Discussing such a serious diagnosis with a medical professional can be an intimidating experience, so having a list of prepared questions or discussion topics can be helpful. Let your doctor know that you want him or her to answer your questions thoroughly. Listen carefully to what your doctor tells you and write the information down. If you forget a question or think of something important later, be sure to jot it down to ask at a later visit.
