what questions need to be asked?

jloe said:

Here are a few
They will probably address these but if not, here's what you will want to know:
Will she have to have a weekly blood test and what will they be testing to monitor (white, red, platelets
If she does, can you go to an independent lab (Quest or another) a couple of days prior to the treatment. If that's ok, you need a prescription
What pre-meds will be given prior to the chemo such as anti-nausea, Benadryl or a steroid
How long should the treatment last at the facility
What over the counter meds can she take or not take (aspirin, Tylenol, cold medications)
Will she have a CA125 drawn each treatment
Will she have a CT/PET scan after completing the cycle
What are the most common side effects that she may experience and realistically when to expect them
Will she be given a prescription for anti-nausea meds for home
If she does not have a port, will she get one before the first treatment (this can eliminate any complications and is better because of the damage to the veins from the chemo
Is there a support group for her at the hospital or facility that she can talk with while she is there (I have a great group of women where I am and they are very helpful and share their experiences that similar to mine and they are very well educated)
Can you select a day of the week that is convenient for her and family if someone is going with her
What can she do to alleviate the potential side effects so that you can be prepared and have them handy (constipation, diarrhea, rash remedies)
Debbiejeane,
I hope this helps and if I think of a few more, I'll shoot them over to you. Good luck to you with the visit and the first treatment! She's very lucky to have you. Keep us posted.

Joni

Sandy10 said:

questions
Debbie,

Do you know what stage her cancer is? That would be my first question. Did she get a port placed while she was in the hospital? and will she be recieving IP as well as IV chemo? What kind of chemo will she be getting and what are the side effects of that chemo? During her surgery do you know if they just did a hysterectomy or did they say they removed cancer from other places in her abdomen? Her doctor will answer a lot of questions just by talking. He will tell you what is the "next step" and what to expect. Make a list of the questions to ask and bring the list with you. Also, you will probably think of other questions to ask once you leave the office (Happens to me all the time) So, call the office And ask to have the doctor or chemo nurse call you back. It's ok to call them as many times as you need to. They are there to take care of her. They will be happy to answer as many questions as you need them to. Everyone reacts differently to chemo. Some of the more common side effects are nausea, fatigue, hair loss, diarrhea or constipation. But, she may not get any of those. She may be one of the lucky ones that breeze through her chemo. Also, does she come to this site? I have found that the women here know more about ovarian cancer and the treatments than the doctors and nurses know!! tell her to take it one day at a time. one step at a time. I'm sitting here trying to make a mental "list" of questions for you to ask and am drawing a blank. How silly is that? The best advice I can give is to stay positive and remember no question is silly. Once you start talking to the doctor, it will "spark" questions. don't let the doctor make you feel rushed, ask as many questions as you want. don't leave until you understand everything they told you. Sorry this didn't help much. good luck and please let us know how things went. Let her know that she is not alone!! we are all here for her. ((((HUGS))))

Sandy