It is important for you to have honest, open discussions with your cancer care team. They want to answer all of your questions, no matter how trivial you might think they are. Here are some questions to consider:

• What kind of cancer do I have?
• Where within the brain or spinal cord is the cancer located and how far has it spread?
• What treatments are appropriate for me? What do you recommend and what are the alternatives? Why?
• What are the risks or side effects that I should expect?
• What are the chances my cancer will recur (come back) even with the treatment programs we have discussed?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• Based on what you learned about my cancer, how long do you think I'll survive?
• Will any disability I now have get better and what disabilities may I develop?
• What is my expected prognosis, based on my cancer as you view it?

In addition to these sample questions, be sure to write down any others you might want to ask. For instance, you might want specific information about anticipated recovery times so you can plan your work and activity schedule. Or, you may want to ask about second opinions concerning the clinical and pathological diagnosis and the treatment program, as well as about experimental programs or clinical trials for which you may qualify.

Revised 1-04