Nurse and patients talking about cancerWhat to ask your doctor about planning chemotherapy

Some questions you might ask your doctor

  • What is your plan for my treatment?
  • Why are you planning it this way?
  • How many treatments do you think I might need altogether?
  • Can I choose the day and time of my chemotherapy?
  • Can I carry on working?
  • Can you make sure I'll be able to go to... (my daughter's graduation, our son's wedding, the family holiday, etc)?
  • How often will I have tests once my treatment starts?
  • If I have to cancel my holiday, can you give me a letter for my travel insurance company?
  • Can I get a hospital parking permit?
  • Is there any hospital transport to get me to and from my appointments for treatment?
  • Do I need to see a doctor before each chemotherapy dose?
  • What tests will I have?
  • Can I have my blood tests done at the GP surgery instead of having to come to the hospital?
  • Can I have the blood tests done the day before my treatment either at the GP surgery or the hospital?
  • How will I know if the treatment is working?
  • Will scans show the cancer shrinking?
  • How long do the results of tests usually take?
  • How will you tell me the results?