You never want to hear these three words from your doctor: “You have cancer.”
This will turn your life upside down, as you’ll have many concerns about your health and what’s to come in the near future.
If you’re diagnosed with lung cancer, it’s imperative to work closely with your medical team to implement the best possible treatment strategy.
While you should rely heavily on medical professionals to provide guidance, it’s okay to ask questions. Here are several of the most important:
- What type of treatment is best for the type of lung cancer I have?
- Are there any clinical trials available to someone in my position?
- Will you lead my treatment, or will another doctor be in charge?
- Do you suggest that I consult with other medical professionals, such as a medical oncologist and thoracic surgeon?
- What is the goal of the treatment you’ve suggested?
- What is the success ratio of the treatment you’ve suggested?
- What are the potential side effects of the treatment?
- Who can I speak with about navigating these side effects?
- Is there anything else I can do to treat my symptoms?
- What’s the day-to-day impact of the treatment on my life? Will I still be able to work?
- Can you provide me with contact information for local support services?
The more questions you ask, the more you’ll understand about your situation and the steps you can take to ease the physical and mental pain.
When time allows, talk to your medical team about the potential causes of your illness. For example, if you find that asbestos exposure may have been a contributing factor, learn more about your legal rights for seeking compensation.