Bile Duct Cancer: Treatment Questions

Talking with healthcare providers about cancer can be overwhelming. It can be hard to take in all of the information. It helps to be prepared. Make a list of questions and bring them to your appointments. Write the answers down in a notebook. Make sure you ask how the treatment will change your daily life, including your diet, and how you will look and feel after treatment. Ask how successful the treatment is expected to be, and what the risks and possible side effects are.

You may also want to ask a friend or family member to go with you. He or she can take notes and write down the answers, and also ask questions you may not think of. You can also ask your healthcare provider if you can record the conversation.

Below are some questions to ask during your appointments.

Deciding on a treatment

• What is the stage of my cancer?

• Has the cancer spread anywhere else in my body?

• What are the treatment choices?

• Do I need to be treated right away?

• What treatments do you think are best for me and why?

• What treatments do you think are not for me and why?

• What are the goals of the treatment you are recommending?

• What is the success rate of this treatment for my stage of bile duct cancer?

• Are there any clinical trials I should apply for?

• Will my insurance cover these treatments?

• How much will treatment cost?

 Getting ready for treatment

• What is the length of the treatment period?

• How long will each treatment take?

• Where do I have to go for the treatment?

• Who will give me the treatment?

• Does someone need to go with me during treatments?

• Can I take my other medicines during treatment?

 Coping during treatment

•  What side effects should I expect?

• How long will side effects last?

• Are there side effects that I need to call you about?

• How do I reach you after hours and on weekends?

• What can I do about these side effects?

• Should I change my diet? What foods can't I eat?

• Will I be able to go to work and be around my family?

• Are there support groups nearby that I can join?

After treatment

• How will I feel after the treatment?

• What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?

• How will we know if treatment worked?

• What are my options if the treatment doesn't work or the cancer comes back?

Making a decision

When you have answers from your healthcare providers, it's time to think about your preferences. Think about what side effects you can and can't tolerate.  Talk about all of your concerns with your healthcare provider before making a decision about treatment.