What to ask your doctor about surgery for bone cancer

Some questions you might ask your doctor

Is it possible for me to have an operation to try to cure my bone cancer?
Why do I need an operation?
Which type of operation should I have and why?
What are the risks and benefits of having this operation?
What happens if limb sparing doesn’t work?
Will the operation cure the cancer?
What size is the area (margin) of normal tissue that you remove around the cancer?
What are the long term effects of this operation?
Will I need any more surgery in the future?
When I wake up, will I be in intensive care?
Will I have pain after this operation?
How long will I have a drip after surgery?
What are the possible complications of this type of operation?
Will I need any other treatment as well as surgery?
Is there any treatment I can have instead of surgery?
What will happen if I don’t have the operation?
How long will it take me to get better?
How can I help myself get over the operation?
Who will help me learn to manage with my false limb?
Where is the nearest limb centre to where I live?
If the cancer comes back – can I have more surgery or chemotherapy?

Bone cancer