Questions to ask your healthcare team

Many people experience anxiety as a result of a cancer diagnosis. It may be helpful to prepare a list of questions and ask a family member or friend to accompany you to your doctor’s appointments. It is important to note that the questions below are not for everyone and that only some of them will apply to you.

After you’ve been diagnosed

• At what stage is my cancer?
• What does my PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) indicate?
• What is the grade and the Gleason score?
• Has the cancer spread to other parts of my body?
• What tests will I need to have? How long will the test (s) take?
• What do I need to do to prepare for the test (s)?
• When will I get the results?
• There is more than one possible treatment, how do I know which one is the best for me?
• What happens without treatment?
• Are there books or internet sites that you recommend so that I can become more informed? (You can order your free copy of the book ” Understanding Prostate Cancer” by contacting PROCURE at info@www.procure.ca. Please include your full name and mailing address.
• Do you know if any on-going clinical trials for my type of cancer?

Before you start treatment

• Where will I have treatment? When will treatment begin?
• Will I need to stay in the hospital overnight to have my treatment? Can I drive to my treatments or should I have someone drive me home?
• Are there any side effects?
• What side effects am I most likely to have?
• Are any of the effects permanent?

During your treatment

• When will I see results from the treatments?
• Who do I talk to about pain management or diet? Are there people on staff that can help me?
• What can I do to manage the side effects?
• What should I do if I have a fever? Who do I call? Is there an emergency number? (Sudden changes to your health could include: breathing problems, increased pain, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding that won’t stop, seizures, swelling in your arms or legs)
• Will I experience a loss of bladder control?
• Will I experience problems with erections?

Getting support

• How do I tell my family and friends about my cancer?
• What support is there for me? How can I meet people in the same situation?
• Is there any kind of support available for my family and friends?
• Will I be able to take care of myself or will I need help? Who can I talk to?
• Can I have a glass of wine or beer?
• Can I have sex?

Follow-up care

• How often will I see the specialist after my treatment?
• Should I see my family doctor for follow-up visits?

End-of-life care

• What options do I have if the treatment is not successful?
• If there’s pain, how will it be managed and by whom?
• Will I be able to stay at home? How can I find out about services or programs that might help me?
• What is a hospice? Is it an option?

This list is only a starting point. Other questions will probably come to mind along the way. Do not hesitate to ask your healthcare team.

You can also participate in the management of your care by keeping a personal medical record on your health condition and by ensuring that all your doctors receive a copy of your tests results. During each medical visit, you can inform your doctor of your discussions with other specialists. This will facilitate communication between each health care provider responsible for your care.