Suggested Questions

Diagnosis

1. Has my cancer spread (metastasized) to other parts of my body?

2. What stage is my cancer?

3. Can you tell if this is a fast­growing type of prostate cancer, or a slow­growing type?

4. What is the Gleason score and ploidy type?

5.  How many sticks were taken in total?

6.  How many were positive and what overall percent?

7.  What were the first, second and third, Gleason Grades.

8.  Will family history of prostate or breast cancer make a difference in my prognosis?

Tests

1. What tests will I have done?

2. When should I expect the results from these tests?

3. What will these tests tell me about my cancer?

4. How long after I have these tests will I know the results?

5. Who will call me with the results of these tests? Or, should I call to obtain the results?

6. To get copies of my records, scans, X­rays, who can I contact?

Physician

1. Did you consuls with anyone before determining the diagnosis?

2. What will their role be in my treatment?

3. How many physicians will be involved in my care? Who are they? What are their roles?

4. Who will be the physician in charge of coordinating all the rest of my physicians?

5. What other health care professionals can I expect to be involved in my care?

6. Do you recommend surgery? If so, what are my options involving surgery?

7. Is nerve­sparing surgery possible in my ease?

8. What percentage (approximately) of the nerve­conserving surgeries you have done have been success

9. Would you give me the telephone number of two other patients?

Treatment

1. What is the standard treatment for my type of prostate cancer?

2. What is the prognosis for my type of prostate cancer with standard treatment?

3. Are there any other treatments that might be appropriate for my type of prostate cancer?

4. What treatment do you recommend? Based on what?

5. What are the risks or benefits of the treatment you are recommending?

6. Am I a good candidate for a radiation seed implant where the seeds are left in?

7. Am I a good candidate for a radiation seed implant where the seeds are inserted and removed?

8. Who would you recommend I talk to about the different treatments?

9. What doctors do you know who are experts at the seed implant and/or radiation techniques?

10. What percentage of patients usually respond to each type of treatment?

11. How long does each treatment last?

12. How long will the entire course of therapy last?

13. How often will I be treated?

14. What type of results should I expect to see with the treatment?

15. Will there be tests during my treatment to determine if it is working?

16. Where will I receive my treatment?

17. How will I receive my treatment? Is it a pill? an injection?

18. What will it feel like to get treated?

19. Can someone accompany me to my treatment?

20. Can I drive to and from my appointments?

21. Can I stay alone after my treatments, or do I need to have someone stay with me?

22. Will I have to be in the hospital to get my treatments?

23. Who will administer my treatments?

24. How often, during treatment, will I see a physician? the nurse?

Clinical Trials

1. Are there any clinical trials or research being done on my type of prostate cancer?

2. Are you involved in clinical trials?

3. Would I be a candidate for clinical research if it is a treatment option for me?

4. Where can I find out more about research on prostate cancer?

5. Is there anyone else in the area that is involved in research that I might contact to discuss my prostate cancer?

6. What will happen if I decide not to be treated?

7. How quickly must I decide about my treatment?

Economics

1. How do I find out what portion of the treatment my insurance company will cover?

2. Is there someone in your of office (or facility) who assists patients with questions about insurance? Who would that be?

3. If my insurance does not pay for a particular treatment or medication that might be beneficial to me, will you choose an alternate treatment? What if it is less effective?

4. Do you have access to pharmaceutical patient assistance programs I could access if I cannot afford a particular medication or my insurance will not pay for a particular medication?

5. Who can I talk to about getting treatment if I do not have insurance?

Support 

1. Do you have any literature that suggests ways to tell my family and friends of my illness?

2. Are you willing to speak with my wife (or other family members) about my prostate cancer and my treatment?

3. Are there support groups for prostate cancer?

4. For my family and friends?

5. Is there a social worker here I could talk to?

6. How do I access a dietitian if I have nutritional concerns or difficulties?

7. Do I need to be on a special diet?

8. If I can have sex after my treatment, will my partner be at risk in any way?

9. What type of precautions do I need to take?

10. Who do I call if I have an emergency medical situation during my treatment, or shortly afterwards?

11. What are the telephone numbers I should have in order to reach you? the nurse? the hospital?

Side Effects 

What are the side effects of this treatment?

· Nausea

· Vomiting

· Hair loss

· Low blood cell counts (anemia: low red­blood­cell count, neutropenia: low count of one type of white­blood cell, lowplatelets, etc.)

· Diarrhea/constipation

· Skin changes

· Incontinence

· Impotence

· Pain

· Sores along the digestive tract

· Taste changes

· Neuropathy (damage to nerves)

· Slow heart beat

· Irregular heart beat

· Fatigue

1. When might these side effects occur?

2. Could these side effects be life­threatening?

3. How long will the side effects last?

4. What can/will be done to prevent these side effects or reduce their possibility?

5. When might these side effects occur?

6. Could these side effects be life­threatening?

7. How long will the side effects last?

Supportive Therapies

1. What treatments are available to manage these side effects?

2. Are these support therapies available and appropriate for me?

3. What should I do if I have side effects?

4. Who do I call if I have severe side effects?

5. Will a reduction or delay reduce my chances of being cured?

6. Are there any medications I should not take while I'm going through treatment?

7. Are there any activities I should or should not do following treatment?

8. How soon after treatment can I go back to work?

Page Reviewed and/or Updated:

September 21, 2008