Questions

stevenl
stevenl Member Posts: 587
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hi everyone,

Okay, meeting with med onco tomorrow. What are the most important things I need to know from her?

Steve

Comments

  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #2
    start
    1) basic specifics of the treatment- which chemo med, and what it will physically do to you (which includes the issue of pain management- vicodin and magic mouthwash)?
    2) the prognosis- what the Onco is hoping for, in specifics, and all it brings with it- such as the feeding tube and all that goes with it, and Port, etc.
    3) any and all issues about physically getting it done- such as any issues with transportation
    4) what you need to do to best help you with the treatment she has planned, such as gargling, eating certain foods, or using Ensure or Boost
    5) be open with any mental issues you are having, Steve- she will be most understanding.

    Our Prayers are with you.

    Believe.

    kcass
  • micktissue
    micktissue Member Posts: 430
    #3
    need to know
    Hi Steve. I assume you have a final pathology on your cancer; sorry if I've missed that post. This is very important as it will guide treatment suggestions. Make sure you know the final pathology if you wish to research different modalities. If you have NPC, for example, there are standard modalities to treat it depending on several factors. If you're like me (stage 4 scc with no primary) treatment is anecdotal because there are not enough studies to support a "standard" treatment.

    I'd want to know why they want to use what they suggest and what research do they have that they can share to support the decision. I'd also want to know what side effects to expect. I'd want to know of any clinical trials (again based on your final pathology) that they might consider beneficial to you.

    I'm always interested in nutrition so hopefully they will have some guidance for you on that. Kent has laid out a good guideline as well.

    Best of luck tomorrow and let us know what comes of it.

    Warmly,

    Mick
  • stevenl
    stevenl Member Posts: 587
    #4
    micktissue said:

    need to know
    Hi Steve. I assume you have a final pathology on your cancer; sorry if I've missed that post. This is very important as it will guide treatment suggestions. Make sure you know the final pathology if you wish to research different modalities. If you have NPC, for example, there are standard modalities to treat it depending on several factors. If you're like me (stage 4 scc with no primary) treatment is anecdotal because there are not enough studies to support a "standard" treatment.

    I'd want to know why they want to use what they suggest and what research do they have that they can share to support the decision. I'd also want to know what side effects to expect. I'd want to know of any clinical trials (again based on your final pathology) that they might consider beneficial to you.

    I'm always interested in nutrition so hopefully they will have some guidance for you on that. Kent has laid out a good guideline as well.

    Best of luck tomorrow and let us know what comes of it.

    Warmly,

    Mick

    Final pathology
    Hi Mick

    I don't know the primary yet, but that WILL be found on Friday. I am still going to ask these questions that you and kent have suggested. I will seem informed or very bothersome, I don't know and certainly don't care how I am perceived. From what everyone has told me
    they have all had pretty good relationships with their docs. Thanks for your replies
    and your wonderful help.

    Steve

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