The following are some questions you may want to ask your physician:
- What do you know about my cancer at this point?
- What other tests will be run before surgery?
- Can you describe the surgery I will be having?
- What are you planning to remove during surgery (the colon, rectum, lymph nodes)?
- Is a biopsy part of the surgery?
- How soon after surgery will I have all test results and a firm diagnosis?
- Do you think after surgery I will have all test results and a firm diagnosis?
- Do you think I may need a temporary or permanent colostomy?
- Is this the standard type of surgery for my condition?
- How many times have you performed this type of operation successfully?
- Who will give me information about how I should get ready for surgery and a hospital stay?
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- How will my pain be controlled after surgery?
- Should I have radiation therapy and chemotherapy before my rectal cancer surgery?
- What is my diagnosis based on the results of surgery and biopsy reports?
- How long will it be before I can go back to work after surgery? Can I work during chemotherapy?
- Will you refer me to a specially trained nurse to decide on the best place for my colostomy and help me learn to manage it after surgery?
- What is my prognosis?
- What are my treatment options based on my diagnosis?
- Is it a standard treatment or part of a clinical trial?
- What treatment do you recommend? Why?
- What are the risks and possible side effects?
- Does my diagnosis mean that my blood relatives are at higher risk for colorectal cancer?
- Should they talk with their doctors about screening?
Last updated: 5/21/2010 4:19:48 PM