Questions to Ask

Questions to ask your doctor about your breast cancer treatment:

• What type of breast cancer do I have, and what stage is it?
• Am I HER2/nu positive or negative?
• How far advanced is my cancer? (What stage is it?)
• What treatment options are available for this stage of breast cancer?
• What are the risks, side effects, or complications of these treatments?
• How long will the treatment take?
• What do you expect my prognosis to be?
• What medicines will I be taking? And for how long?
• Will any of these treatments cause premature menopause or infertility?
• Are these proven or experimental techniques, methods, or medications?
• Is this treatment covered by insurance?
• Can you recommend someone for a second opinion?
• Are any changes in diet or lifestyle necessary before, during, or after treatment?
• What are the options for breast reconstruction if surgery is recommended?
• Will treatment keep me from doing certain things I enjoy?
• How often will I be checked after treatment?
• Can I go back to normal daily activities after treatment?
• Are there any clinical trials that might be beneficial?
• What has been your experience with cancer patients similar to me?
• Can you recommend any patient support groups in my area?
• Are there materials I can read about my cancer?

Questions to ask about chemotherapy

• What specific type of chemotherapy is right for me?
• Can chemotherapy ease my symptoms?
• What can I do to cope with side effects?
• Should I consider chemotherapy as a preventative treatment?
• How long will my chemotherapy treatments last?
• Will I be able to return to my normal activities after chemotherapy?
• What experiences have other patients had with similar chemotherapy regimens?

Questions to Ask Before Having Radiation Therapy

• Why do I need this treatment?
• What are the risks and side effects?
• When will the treatments begin?
• When will they end?
• How will I feel during therapy?
• What can I do to take care of myself during therapy?
• Can I continue my normal activities?
• How will my breast look afterward?
• What are the chances of the tumor coming back in my breast?