Questions to Ask During Treatment

Once you complete your radiation treatment, it is likely that you’ll have additional questions. To help you keep track of your questions, it is important to write them down so that you can make sure all of your questions are answered to your satisfaction. Additionally, where possible, consider bringing a family member or trusted friend with you to write answers down and help you keep track of the things that you are hearing from your physician. If you forget something or don’t understand a particular answer, it is ok to ask a question again. The important thing is that you understand what is happening and what you will be going through during the course of your follow up after treatment completion.

The following are questions you may want to ask your radiation oncologist after the completion of your treatment.

• When will the symptoms I developed during radiation subside?

• How often will I need to come back to the hospital or clinic to see my doctors?

• Which doctors will I be seeing after completing my treatment?

• Will I need any additional scans or blood tests to monitor the response to my treatment?

• Will I need any other treatments beyond what I’ve already received?

• How will I know whether I'm cured of my cancer?

• Is there anything I can do to improve my chances of being cured?

• Are there any restrictions on my activities? If so, for how long?

• When will I be able to return to work?

• Is there anything I should be looking out for?