Making a list of your questions before seeing a doctor can be of great help to you.
Treatment for colorectal cancer includes surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy. These therapies may be delivered alone or in combination.
Many people find it helpful to make a list of their questions before they see the doctor. Taking notes can make it easier to remember what the doctor says. Some patients find that it also helps to have a family member or friend with them when they talk with the doctor -- either to take part in the discussion or just to listen.
Here are some important questions to ask the doctor:
- What type of treatment will I receive?
- What are the expected benefits of treatment?
- What are the risks and possible side effects of treatment?
- What can be done to help manage the side effects?
- Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me?
- Will I need to change my normal activities? If so, for how long?
- How often will I need to have checkups?
Sometimes, physicians present a range of treatment options and ask the patient to choose how they would like to proceed. Patients and caregivers may feel overwhelmed and may not feel qualified to make treatment decisions. You may want a second doctor to review the treatment plan. Often, this can be done by mail. There are several ways to find a doctor to consult:
