Getting Information About Chemotherapy
Don't try to write down everything your doctor says during your first meeting to discuss chemotherapy options. It's just too much information to absorb. Rather, consider these options:
- Take a tape recorder with you.
- Ask a spouse, a friend, or family member to sit in the room with you to be your second set of ears. If you like, ask them to take notes.
- Ask your doctor for written information to take home with you. Most oncologists have specially prepared kits that include a wealth of information about chemotherapy and the systemic treatment process.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions about chemotherapy. Don't hesitate to say, "I don't understand."
- Get a phone number. Your doctor or oncology nurse will be available for you to ask questions about chemotherapy. Don't hesitate to call.
What to ask your doctor
Before agreeing to have chemotherapy, consider asking your doctor these questions:
- Why are you recommending chemotherapy?
- What is the chance that I will receive significant additional benefit from chemotherapy, beyond what we're already doing? Is this likely to extend my life? Will it reduce the risk of recurrence?
- What particular drug or combination of drugs is my best option? What are the pros and cons of this particular approach?
- What are my other treatment options?
- Are there clinical trials (research studies) that I should consider that might benefit me?
Don't be disappointed if your doctor doesn't always have "black and white" answers. Frequently, the "right" answer simply doesn't exist. But your doctor should be able to discuss with you the pros and cons of any recommendation for systemic therapy, and guide you so the two of you can make the best decision for you, together.
If your doctor offers chemotherapy as an OPTION rather than as a strong recommendation, make sure you understand the reduction in risk that chemotherapy will offer you. It's okay to go with your "gut feeling" in this situation.
Thoughts on fear of chemotherapy
"What do women fear most about chemotherapy? It's different for everyone. Sometimes it's the loss of fertility, sometimes hair loss is an overarching concern. For others, it's the fear of being sick, nauseated, and tired. And sometimes, it's just the fear of death. Starting chemotherapy is starting this journey that is a partnership with the patient and the caregivers. And it's very scary."
—Barbara Reville, oncology nurse practitioner
"The first time you meet with your oncologist, you are apprehensive. I'm a problem solver, though, so the meeting wasn't a traumatic experience. We were solving this, together. We reviewed everything about my systemic treatment and chemotherapy, and she said AC was the best option for me. I agreed. I brought up Taxol. She was surprised that I knew so much! She agreed that I was a perfect candidate for AC plus Taxol."
—Patty
"The most frightening time for me was BEFORE chemo started, and I didn't know what to expect. Once the treatments actually started, I said: 'Oh, so that's what it's like. I can deal with that.' And I did."
—Debbie
Share your thoughts and fears.
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