QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

Regular communication with your doctor

is important in making informed decisions about health care.

Consider asking the following questions of your child’s doctor:

• What type of cancer has been diagnosed?
• Can you explain the pathology report to me?
• What are the treatment options?
• What treatment do you recommend? Why?
• What clinical trials are open?
• What chemotherapy will be administered? How long and how frequently?
• Will receive radiation therapy be prescribed?
• How can I best prepare for each treatment?
• What are the possible side effects of this treatment, both in the short term and the long term?
• How long is the hospital stay?
• How will this treatment affect daily life? Will I be able to perform usual activities?
• Are there options to preserve fertility prior to starting treatment, such as sperm storage (for boys)? Should we consult a fertility specialist?
• What follow-up tests will be needed, and how often are they needed?
• What support services are available to the patient? To my family?