After being diagnosed with cervical cancer, tons of questions run through a woman's mind. There are eight essential questions a woman should ask her doctor when being diagnosed. Write them down, take them to your appointment, and be sure you leave your doctor's office with a full understanding of the answers your doctor gives you.
1. What stage of cervical cancer do I have and has it spread?
The stage of cervical cancer you have is very important. It tells you how far your disease has advanced and determines the treatment options. Cervical cancer has five different categories in its staging system. The staging system begins at 0 and ends at IV, with 0 meaning the very early stages of cervical cancer and IV being advanced.
2. What are my treatment options?
Knowledge is power and knowing what your treatment options are up front can help you to be more proactive during treatment. Options will vary based on the stage of cervical cancer diagnosed and the general health of the patient
3. What treatment do you suggest and why?
Once you determine what your treatment options are, ask your doctor what treatment he or she recommends. You also may want to ask why he or she recommends a certain type of treatment over another. 4. How will the treatment affect my daily living?
After you and your doctor decide on your treatment plan, it is important to learn how treatment will affect your daily living. You should be aware of treatment side effects and if they will interfere with daily living activities, such as work, leisure, and providing basic care for yourself. Knowing this information upfront will allow you to successfully prepare for treatment in all aspects.
5. What if the treatment is unsuccessful?
Unfortunately, there are times when treatment is unsuccessful. You should discuss what other options are available if the treatment does not work for you. Clinical trials and alternative treatment methods may be available.
6. Will my insurance cover the treatment?
Once your treatment plan has been decided, it is now time to talk to the doctor's office or hospital administration about paying for your treatment. You should find out if the recommended treatment is covered by your insurance company beforehand. Your doctor's office staff or hospital financial services department or social worker will be able to help you find out if the treatment is covered. You can also call your insurance company directly.
7. When will treatment begin and how can I prepare for it?
Treatment may begin immediately or may start in a few weeks. It all depends on the stage of cancer. You should be aware of when the doctor plans to start treatment so you can begin preparing for it. 8. Can I seek a second opinion?
A second opinion is not only your right as a patient, but is sometimes required by insurance companies. If you do seek a second opinion, be courteous and let your current doctor know that you plan to see another doctor. Be sure to ask your doctor's office for copies of your medical record. Having them will greatly help the other doctor and may prevent you from having medical tests unnecessarily repeated.
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