Top-10 Things to ASK YOUR ONCOLOGIST
Ten
You come here often?
53% of the time this joke lands.
Nine
Why HGTV?
These are the hard-hitting questions we all want answers to.
EIGHT
Is there a direct number (that isn’t the call center) you could have for a more direct line to a Doctor or Nurse for any questions that arise between appointments?
This may not result in any helpful information, but you may get a more direct line that saves you from long games of Phone Tag. If you do find yourself in many rounds of the under-appreciated sport, I find that Doctors/Nurses like to call back during naps or if you are held up on the commode.
SEVEN
How many patients has your Doctor treated with your type of Cancer?
This gives you an idea of how familiar this Oncologist is with your disease. How they answer may fill you with confidence or hesitation at the idea of your Treatment being in their hands. Listen to yourself and how you are feeling with the Doctor. You will know if this is who should be responsible for your Life or if its best to seek other opinions/shop around.
SIX
What options are there for my Treatment Plan?
Not all Treatments are the same. Depending on your Cancer, there may be pretty “standard” Treatment Plans that Doctors won’t deviate too far from. There may be a few different options however and like I said, you’re the Client. Depending on how your Oncologist answers this, you may have a ton of questions that pop up. Don’t hesitate to ask them on the spot. Half the time I didn’t understand what the Doctor was saying and I felt like I needed to go home and research rather than take more of my Medical Team’s time.
Take the time you need.
FIVE
Will I need a PowerPort/Pic Line/Some other medical equivalent to an Express Lane straight to my veins?
These are all various forms of “implants” that allow Nurses to administer Chemo/fluids/various drugs into your veins without jacking up your Internal Freeway. It may seem daunting to have one of these implanted, but they truly are your friend.
I had two different ports at one time: my PartyPort and the external PastyPorts that hung from my chest like I was about to give ‘em the ol’ Razzle Dazzle. The ports can be a pain in the ass, but my veins would have given up on me a long time ago if I didn’t have those trusty sidekicks.
FOUR
What side-effects are there for my Treatment?
Your treatment may leave you with a tingly feet, no hair, or a one-way ticket to befriending your Toilet. It’s helpful to know what you’re in store for in order to best determine what Treatment Plan is right for you.
THREE
How will my Treatment Plan impact my Fertility?
This is a HUGE topic that unfortunately still takes a backseat in many Treatment discussions. I had to ask my Doctor about my Fertility. They did not bring it up. In fact, when my Treatment plan took a hard left turn and led me into the arms of a Stem Cell Transplant, I had to probe them to discover that this new Treatment would potentially leave me “100% infertile.”
Cancer steals many things, but your ability to bare your own family doesn’t necessarily have to be one of them. For some, Fertility Preservation may not be an option, but for those who have the ability to go down that path, even if you decide that you don’t want to, at least it is your decision.
TWO
Are there any Social Workers, Nutritionists, or additional Support Worker you have access to that can help you navigate the wide world of grants, programs (financial & social), diet, and all things Cancer-related?
There are so many organizations providing assistance to Cancer Patients, especially Young Adults, that it really helps to have a tour guide who knows the ins and outs.
ONE
Are you ready to save my Life?
Anything but an emphatic “Hell Yes” should be met with you finding a replacement and preparing for the ultimate Pretty Woman moment in a few years time…