Can You Please Help Me Think Of Things That I Need To Ask....

Wed is our appt to discuss the pathology (type) report as well as treatment options.  My dad has been dx with stage III not sure if A or B.

Alimta and Carboplatin have been discussed as a likely chemo option with 8 weeks of Rad going 5x a week.  I have a list of things to ask so far.  I also know that we will cover so much on Wed.  Is there any questions that you wished you had asked or one that you found very important. 

Thank you so much in advance.

On 4/14/2008 GaChild wrote:

Wed is our appt to discuss the pathology (type) report as well as treatment options.  My dad has been dx with stage III not sure if A or B.

Alimta and Carboplatin have been discussed as a likely chemo option with 8 weeks of Rad going 5x a week.  I have a list of things to ask so far.  I also know that we will cover so much on Wed.  Is there any questions that you wished you had asked or one that you found very important. 

Thank you so much in advance.

GaChild,

You are doing the right thing by making a list of questions ahead of time.  You haven't said how old your dad is or what type of cancer he was diagnosed with but you definately want to ask about all treatment options and what side effects to expect, both during and after treatment.   40 radiation treatments sounds like a lot so be sure to ask about the long-term effects.  My mother's radiology oncologist told her 35-40 treatments was the maximum and no more could be given to the same area after this point because of possible damage to the spinal cord, among other things.  She just had treatment 14 of 20.  Depending on the area where he receives radiation, one of the side effects he may go through is irritation to the esophagus which may make it harder and painful to swallow.  Make sure you have a number to reach the doctor at any hour on any day.  I recently had to call on a Sunday to get a prescription for the magic mouthwash for my mother.  Most of all, don't be aftaid to ask any questions you have and make sure the answers are ones that you understand, otherwise ask the doctor to be more clear.  There is no dumb questions when it comes to our loved ones.  There are many supportive people on this site that will offer support whenever you need it.  Your dad will be in my prayers. 

Liz  

On 4/14/2008 GaChild wrote:

Wed is our appt to discuss the pathology (type) report as well as treatment options.  My dad has been dx with stage III not sure if A or B.

Alimta and Carboplatin have been discussed as a likely chemo option with 8 weeks of Rad going 5x a week.  I have a list of things to ask so far.  I also know that we will cover so much on Wed.  Is there any questions that you wished you had asked or one that you found very important. 

Thank you so much in advance.

Hi!  Sorry, I just read this today.  I'd be happy to help out.  I went through non-small cell lung cancer (unknown type) with my father two years ago.  He's still with us!  I did so much research on the topic, so if what I know can be of help to you, I'm happy to share.  Let me know what questions you have after being to the doctor. 

Allison