Questions about Mesothelioma for your Doctor

Being diagnosed with Mesothelioma can be a shocking and life-altering experience. You’ll need to be emotionally prepared with what to expect before, during and after your treatment. Dealing with the news that you have cancer of any kind is a tough one, but the more you inform yourself about Mesothelioma and what to expect along the way, the easier it will be to handle the road that is now ahead of you. Along with being prepared with general knowledge on Mesothelioma, there are many questions you will need answered to understand both your options and effects of treatment as well as the risks and potential outcomes.

One of the best ways to arm yourself with the information needed is by talking with your doctor. However, this isn’t always as easy as it sounds, especially when still dealing with the initial shock of your new diagnosis. Here is an outline of many of the important questions necessary to ask your physician. This will help guide you in asking the right questions and get the answers needed for a full understanding of your condition and what to expect as well as aid you in making the right decisions for your particular diagnosis and treatment.  This may also help you in thinking of additional questions you may have your particular situation.

There are two main types of Mesothelioma that include Pleural and Peritoneal Mesothelioma (3), along with many others. It is important that you understand the type that you have and how this affects your treatment options and prognosis.

The stage of cancer is determined by the how much the cancer has spread within the body and the number of body organs and/or tissues that may be involved. It is important you understand your cancer stage and how this affects you (4).

There are many questions you will need to ask regarding treatment. It is very important that you thoroughly understand your treatment options and what to expect throughout to be able to be involved as much as possible in the process. This will also reduce the number of surprises you may face along the way, which in turn will help in easing the stress felt while going through the process.

Your doctor can help you understand your chances of a cure and the percentage of survival. This is based on statistics of those the same type and stage of cancer that you have. The initial answer you receive may be scary and shocking at first. However, being informed and getting the information up front will eliminate later surprises. Remember to remain realistic throughout your treatment without giving up hope. You also want to be as involved as possible in your treatment and decision making process.

When facing any difficult medical diagnosis, it is often very important to get a second opinion. Talk to your doctor about your thoughts. A good physician will be receptive to your ideas and concerns and should be comfortable and encouraging with your need for another opinion. Sometimes another doctor may have a different take on your case or may have new and additional information that another may not. However, be sure to completely evaluate any and all information from any doctor and weigh your options carefully to make the most appropriate decisions in your medical care.

Clinical trials may turn out to be a valid option for you and offer treatments that may not otherwise be available to the public. Be sure to discuss all the possibilities and risks involved with any clinical trial offered to you.

Sometimes it is hard to remember all the questions you want answered while in the doctor’s office. You may be feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by your circumstances. Be sure to write these questions down and take them with you for your next doctor’s visit. You will also want to write down any and all additional questions and concerns you have as well. Let your doctor know you want to take the time to have your questions thoroughly answered during your visit. You will also want to write down much of the information the doctor gives you at this time as the amount of information may be a lot for you to remember once you have left the office.

You may be afraid at first to ask questions because you are afraid of what you may hear. However, often the fear of the unknown is worse than the information received. Even if you get bad news, you can then be prepared for what is to come and how best to make decisions regarding your care. Remember, the more information you can arm yourself with, the less stressful the process will be for you as you’ll know what to expect. You will also be able to use your knowledge to help the process along in many positive ways that can affect that eventual outcome in your case.

'Questions about Mesothelioma for your Doctor' Resources:
  1. About Mesothelioma. “Questions to Ask Your Doctor.” About Mesothelioma. Date undocumented.
    Accessed: 17 July 2007.
  2. Early, Ludwig, Sweeney, Strauss. “Ask Your Doctor.” Mesothelioma Treatment: Doctors. 2007.
    Accessed: 17 July 2007.
  3. Cancer Research UK. “Types of Mesothelioma.” Specific Cancers: Mesothelioma. 13 April 2007.
    Accessed: 21 July 2007.
  4. Dunn, Steve. “Understanding Cancer Types and Stages.” Cancer Guide. Cancer Basics. 26 July 2002.
    Accessed: 21 July 2007.