This concise list of chemotherapy-related questions may assist you when engaging in a conversation with your specialist (who is usually a medical oncologist) about the administration of chemotherapy and targeted therapies.
- What can I expect from my therapy?
- What are the names of the drugs that will be used in my treatment? (5FU, FOLFOX, FOLFIRI, FOLFOXIRI, XELOX, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, or capecitabine)
- Is there evidence that they are more effective than other chemotherapy drugs?
- How many treatments will I need?
- How will the treatments be given?
- Will I be able to go home afterwards?
- How will I feel after my treatments?
- Will I be able to work?
- Will I be able to take care of my family?
- Will I be able to drive my car?
- What are the possible side effects of these treatments and how long do they last?
- Will my hair fall out?
- Will I be nauseous? If so, how can that be treated?
- Will I be fatigued? How will you address that?
- Will I get mouth sores? If so, how will that be addressed?
- Is there anything I can do to lessen the side effects?
- If I am taking chemotherapy, can I eat all kinds of foods?
- Can I drink alcohol?
- Can the cancer spread, even though I am on chemotherapy?
- Will chemotherapy affect my sex life?
- Will chemotherapy affect my fertility?
- Can I take chemotherapy if I am pregnant?
- How will I know if the treatment is working?
- What are my chances for remission or for a longer life?
- Will I be able to take multi-vitamins or anti-oxidant therapy during chemotherapy?
- Do I qualify for targeted therapy in conjunction with chemotherapy?
- If so, which do you recommend? (Avastin, Erbitux, Vectibix, Stivarga)
- Do I qualify for immunotherapy? If so, which do you recommend? (Keytruda / Opdivo)
- If oxaliplatin is recommended, will I be accessing magnesium/calcium infusions before and after oxaliplatin infusion?
- What are some of the support groups I can turn to during treatment?
Questions to ask about chemotherapy-related side effects
- Is there any way I can anticipate what my chemotherapy side effects will be?
- How long will the side effects last?
- Which side effects should I report and to whom?
- What happens if my side effects prevent me from taking my medications?
- What can I do to help prevent the fatigue I may experience?
- Will I lose my hair as a result of my chemotherapy?
- What will happen if my white blood cell count dips too low (known as leucopenia) compromising my ability to fight infections? Can we safeguard against this? Are there drugs to address this?
- Can I take multi-vitamins to address or prevent some of the chemo-induced side effects?
- What can I do to prevent the tingling and numbness (neuropathy) that result in the fingers and feet after oxaliplatin therapy?
- Will I have magnesium and calcium infusions in the clinic to safeguard against the onset of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy? If not, can I take magnesium/calcium supplements?
- Will I lose my appetite? How can we remedy this?
- Will the side effects affect my bowel movements? Can this be remedied?
- Will I experience nausea/vomiting from the side effects? If so, how can this be prevented or treated?
- Will I experience mouth sores (mucositis)? If so, how can I safeguard against its onset? Can it be treated?
- Do targeted therapies such as Avastin, Erbitux, Vectibix, Stivarga have any side effects? If so, what are they and how can I either safeguard against their onset or have them treated?
- Can I safeguard against the onset of Erbitux/Vectibix-induced skin rash? If already developed, can it be treated?
- Do immunotherapies such as Keytruda and Opdivo have any side effects? If so, what are they and how can I either safeguard against their onset or have them treated?
- Who should I call and what are the reasons that I should call at night or on a weekend if necessary? Number to call?