New to this

Hi

My doctor told me last week that their is a 90% chance that I have lung cancer, I have a large mass at the bottom of my left lung. I am seeing a thoracic doctor today and don't know what i should be asing him, or what he should do for me, where do I start. They have been trying to find out what is wrong with me for 5 years, I am overwhelmed by all the info I found on the internet. Please any info would be greatly appreciated. I  live in a very small city, should I ask him to refer me to a larger city in Canada. Desperate in Canada

Regards

On Nov 05, 2009 2:59 PM canadabea wrote:

Hi

My doctor told me last week that their is a 90% chance that I have lung cancer, I have a large mass at the bottom of my left lung. I am seeing a thoracic doctor today and don't know what i should be asing him, or what he should do for me, where do I start. They have been trying to find out what is wrong with me for 5 years, I am overwhelmed by all the info I found on the internet. Please any info would be greatly appreciated. I  live in a very small city, should I ask him to refer me to a larger city in Canada. Desperate in Canada

Regards

Excuse me for asking but why are you seeing a thoracic doctor. I better rephrase this  I know a thoracic doctor deals with lung disease. and the question you can ask him if your a patient with lung cancer:)

Randall

• What type of lung cancer do I have?
• What is the stage of my lung cancer?
• Should I see another doctor to assist in my care, such as a thoracic surgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, or pulmonologist? What is the role of each doctor in my care?
• Do I need additional scans or biopsies in order to plan my treatment?
• What is the goal of my treatment?
• Besides treating my cancer, what can be done to treat my symptoms?
• Are there any other treatment options available to me?
• What clinical trials are available to me?

   

For patients who are to receive chemotherapy:

• What are the names of the drugs, and how are they given?
• What are the side effects of this chemotherapy? What side effects or problems should I look out for?
• What can be done to lessen these side effects?
• How often will I need to visit the doctor to receive the chemotherapy, and how long will each visit take?
• Will I be able to go to and return from this treatment on my own, or should I arrange to have assistance?http://www.cancertrialshelp.org/Icare_content/icMainContent.
• But your doctor may think you have been diagnosed with a thoracic aortic aneurysm, in that case you may want to discuss these questions with your doctor. Following are some questions to ask your doctor about the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysm:
• • How did this aneurysm develop in my aorta?
  • How was the aneurysm diagnosed?
  • Am I a candidate for endovascular repair?
  • What is an endovascular stent graft?
  • How can I find out if I am a candidate for endovascular stent grafting?

  About Endovascular Stent Grafting

  If your doctor has recommended endovascular stent grafting to treat your thoracic aortic aneurysm, you will want to discuss the procedure in detail. Here is a list of questions to help you get the discussion started:

  • What are the benefits of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)?
  • What are the potential risks and complications?
  • What types of endovascular stent grafts are available?
  • How do I know which type of stent graft is right for me?
  • What happens during the surgery?
  • How long will the stent graft remain in my body?
  • Will it hurt?
  • When can I go back to my daily routine?
  • What are the survival rates of stent graft therapy?

  Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment informati

  If you have been diagnosed with a thoracic aortic aneurysm, you may want to discuss these questions with your doctor. Following are some questions to ask your doctor about the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysm:

  • How did this aneurysm develop in my aorta?
  • How was the aneurysm diagnosed?
  • Am I a candidate for endovascular repair?
  • What is an endovascular stent graft?
  • How can I find out if I am a candidate for endovascular stent grafting?

  About Endovascular Stent Grafting

  If your doctor has recommended endovascular stent grafting to treat your thoracic aortic aneurysm, you will want to discuss the procedure in detail. Here is a list of questions to help you get the discussion started:

  • What are the benefits of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)?
  • What are the potential risks and complications?
  • What types of endovascular stent grafts are available?
  • How do I know which type of stent graft is right for me?
  • What happens during the surgery?
  • How long will the stent graft remain in my body?
  • Will it hurt?
  • When can I go back to my daily routine?
  • What are the survival rates of stent graft therapy?

  Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment informationon

• http://www.medtronic.co.uk/your-health/thoracic-aortic-aneur