Things to preapre for Cervical Cancer Treatment

Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor before treatment begins:

• What is the stage (extent) of my disease?

• What are my treatment choices? Which do you recommend? Why?

• What are the chances that the treatment will be successful?

• Would a clinical trial be appropriate for me?

• What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?

• How long will treatment last?

• Will it affect my normal activities?

• What is the treatment likely to cost?

• What is likely to happen without treatment?

• How often will I need to have checkups?

When a person is diagnosed with cancer, shock and stress are natural reactions.

These feelings may make it difficult for patients to think of everything they want to ask the doctor.

Often it helps to make a list of questions.

Taking notes will help you remember what the doctor says.

You may also want to have a family member/friend with you when you talk to the doctor to assist you in taking notes, asking questions or just to listen.

You do not need to ask all your questions or remember all the answers at one time.

There will be other opportunities to ask the doctor to explain things and to get more information.