Q&A: Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Every Sunday, Cancer Services publishes a Cancer Q&A in the Health Section of The Advocate.

Q: I am currently waiting on a cancer diagnosis. If I do have cancer, what questions should I ask my doctor?

A: Being informed and asking questions can give you some control over your condition and may help you cope. Studies show that patients who are informed about their disease and treatment options usually tend to fare better and have fewer side effects than those who simply follow doctors' orders. However, some people feel overwhelmed by too much information or the details regarding their condition. It is best to think how much information is right for you.

You can use the following list as a starting point. You do not have to ask every question and it might help you think of other questions you would like to ask. It’s a good idea to write your questions down before meeting with your doctor so you are sure not to forget anything. Having another person with you to ask questions and to listen to the answers is also a good idea. You may also want a notebook or tape recorder to capture important notes.

Possible questions for your doctor after a cancer diagnosis:

• What is my diagnosis?
• Has cancer spread to my lymph nodes or anywhere else?
• What is the stage of my cancer? What does this mean?
• How is staging used to determine cancer treatment?
• What is my prognosis (chance of recovery)?
• Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
• 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?
• 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?
• If I seek a second opinion, will I have to repeat any tests or procedures?
• What support services are available to me? To my family?
• Whom should I call with questions or concerns during non-business hours?
• May I contact you or the nurse to talk about additional information I find?

For more information contact Courtney Britton, librarian at Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge at (225) 927-2273, or visit the Resource Center at 550 Lobdell Avenue.

Cancer 101

Cancer is scary. It becomes even more frightening when doctors use words like “metastatic,” “sarcoma” or “ifosfamide.” All you can think about is, ‘will I be ok?’ But what you need is a medical dictionary!

Cancer 101 a 4-part series, offers you insight into the world of cancer jargon from a panel of oncology professionals on topics including: Understanding a Cancer Diagnosis, Radiation Treatment, Chemotherapy Treatment and Coping as a Cancer Survivor. Dr. Andrew Lauve, one of the panel participants, explains, “Educational opportunities like this are extremely important. Doctors sometimes take for granted that others know all that we know. Lack of knowledge during a diagnosis or treatment is a huge struggle for many patients. It’s important for them to get as many resources as possible so they can absorb the information they need.”

After our first session “Understanding a Cancer Diagnosis” with Dr. Jay Brooks of Oschner Health Center, one participant commented that “Dr. Brooks did an excellent job of sharing information in a way that wasn’t intimidating or overly intellectual. It was a great introduction to an often scary subject.” Dr. Brooks joined Dr. William Russell of Baton Rouge General Pennington Cancer Center who spoke on Radiation Therapy, Dr. David Hanson and Judy Owens, PA, of Louisiana Hematology Oncology Associates who discussed Chemotherapy and its side effects and a panel of oncology professionals, Dr. Andrew Lauve of Baton Rouge General Pennington Cancer Center, Esther Sachse of Cancer Services, and Dr. Mary Katherine Rodrigue, Ph.D of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. They covered how cancer is staged, explained the side effects of treatments and offered suggestions on how to merge cancer survivor status with everyday life.

Esther Sachse, a licensed clinical social worker and Director of Support Programs at Cancer Services, commented “Newly diagnosed cancer survivors need access to accurate and in-depth information. They need every opportunity to have oncology professionals address their questions and concerns. We anticipate this program will grow and Cancer 101 will become an important resource for cancer survivors in the community.”

The next Cancer 101 series will be held in October. Call Esther at 225-927-2273 if you’d like more information about Cancer 101, our support groups or Make Today Count. In addition, due to a generous contribution by LPB, our first Cancer 101 series will soon be aired and available on DVD.

Cancer Services’ free library/ resource center is open to clients and anyone interested in cancer-related information. We also offer a host of educational programs such as Make Today Count speaker meetings, teleconferences and special education programs. Check out our website for more information or a schedule of educational programs or call 225-927-2273.