It is important for you to have frank, open discussions with your child's 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 tumor does my child have?
• Where within the brain or spinal cord is the tumor located and how far has it spread?
• What treatments are appropriate for my child? What do you recommend and what are the alternatives? Why?
• What are the risks or side effects that we should expect?
• What are the chances the tumor will recur (come back) even with the treatment programs we have discussed?
• What should I do to help my child be ready for treatment?
• Based on what you learned about my child's tumor , how long do you think my child will survive?
• What disabilities may develop and what is the expected prognosis, based on my child's 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 clinical trials for which your child may qualify.

Revised 1-04