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Questions to ask your physician about mesothelioma: 

To make your visit to the doctor more productive, we have prepared the following questions in a printer-friendly format so that you can print this page and bring it with you.  It may be helpful to use a notebook or folder so that all materials are in one place and you can easily refer back to them afterwards. Make the most of your visit to the doctor by being prepared.

You have a right to ask questions and to receive respectful answers. Remember that all of your questions are important and deserve thorough answers, even if they may seem trivial.  If possible, bring a close family member or trusted friend to the appointment.  If your doctor is reluctant to answer any of your questions, keep asking.  In today’s healthcare environment, you or a family member will have to assertive about managing your illness.

• What is my exact diagnosis, in medical terms and in plain English?
  
  
  
  
• What type of mesothelioma do I have?
  
  
  
  
• What is the stage of the mesothelioma?
  
  
  
  
• Has my cancer spread beyond the primary site?  If so, how far has it spread?   
  
  
  
  
• What treatment options do you think will be most effective - chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery, and why?
  
  
  
  
• Where is the best facility for me to receive treatment, regardless of where I live?
  
  
  
  
• How can I best prepare myself for treatment?
  
  
  
  
• How effective will the treatment be?
  
  
  
  
• What will the side effects of the treatment be?  Are there any serious risks?
  
  
  
  
• How long will it take me to recover from the treatment?
  
  
  
  
• What kind of pain management will I need?
  
  
  
  
• Are there new treatments and do you think they can help me?
  
  
  
  
• Should I get a second opinion?
  
  
  
  
• Do you know a doctor who specializes in mesothelioma?
  
  
  
  
• Should I participate in any clinical trials?