The Diagnosis
What kind of cancer does my child have?
What is the stage, or extent of the disease?
Will any more tests be needed? Will they be painful? How often will they be done?
About Treatment Choices: Before the Treatment
What are the treatment choices? Which do you recommend for my child and why?
Would a clinical trial be right for my child? Why?
Have you treated other children with the type of cancer? How many?
What are the chances that the treatment will work?
Where is the best place for my child to receive the treatment?
Are there specialist trained in pediatric oncology?
Can my child have some or all of the treatments done on our home town?
About the Treatment Itself: What to Expect
How long will the treatment last?
What will be the treatment schedule?
Whom should we ask about the details of financial matters?
Will the treatment disrupt my child’s school schedule?
About Side Effects: What to Expect
What possible side effects of the treatment can occur, both right away and later?
What can be done to help when and if side effects occur?
About the Treatment Location
How long will my child be in the hospital?
Can any treatment be done at home? Will we need any special equipment?
Does the hospital have a place where I can stay overnight during my child’s treatment?
About School and Other Activities
Is there a child-life specialist (a professional who is responsible for making the hospital and treatment experience less scary for the child) to plan play therapy, schoolwork and other activities?
When can my child go back to school?
Are there certain diseases my child cannot be around? Should I have my child and his or her siblings immunized again any diseases?
Again, once your child has been diagnosed an emotional rollercoaster is set in motion. Having these cancer treatment questions to refer to, will make it a little less confusing for you and your child. These questions are not only critical, but will also allow you and your child to work more closely with the doctors and the treatments teams.
Photo credit: radrobot
