Home Conditions & Treatments Adult Health Library Pregnancy and Childbirth

Adult Health Library

Health Library Explorer
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Topic Index
Library Index
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.

Brain Tumors: Treatment Questions

Talking with healthcare providers about your tumor can be overwhelming. It can be hard to take in all the information. It helps to be prepared. Make a list of questions and bring them with you to your appointments. 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. They can take notes and write down the answers, and ask questions you may not think of. You can also ask your healthcare provider if you can record the conversation. Write the answers down in a notebook.

Below are some questions to ask during your appointments.

Deciding on a treatment

  • What type of brain tumor do I have?

  • Where exactly is the tumor. How big is it?

  • How quickly is this type of tumor expected to grow?

  • Have you discussed (or will you discuss) my case with other healthcare providers?

  • How often do you treat this type of tumor?

  • Do I need to be treated right away?

  • What are my treatment choices?

  • Can the tumor be removed with surgery?

  • 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 type of tumor?

  • Are there any clinical trials I should apply for?

  • Will this treatment affect my ability to have children in the future?

  • Should I get a second opinion? Are there brain tumor experts or expert centers that you recommend?

Getting ready for treatment

  • What is the length of the treatment period?

  • Where do I have to go for the treatment?

  • Who will give me the treatment?

  • How long will each treatment take?

  • Does someone need to go with me during treatments?

  • Will I be able to drive myself or take public transportation to treatment, or does someone else need to take me?

  • Can I take my other medicines during treatment?

  • Is there a social worker or financial advocate I can talk to about help paying for treatment?

  • What level of caregiving will I likely need during treatment?

Coping during treatment

  • What side effects should I expect?

  • How long will the side effects last?

  • What can I do to ease the side effects?

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

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

  • Should I change my diet? Are there foods I should not eat?

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

  • Are there support groups nearby or online 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 choices if the treatment doesn't work or the tumor comes back?

  • What symptoms should I be looking for?

Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer: Joseph Campellone MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Sabrina Felson MD
Date Last Reviewed: 1/1/2023
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Powered by StayWell
Copyright © The StayWell Company, LLC. except where otherwise noted.
About StayWell | Disclaimer | Terms of Use

Our web site is designed to provide general information to educate users about programs and services, which may be available through our hospitals. The web site is not intended to provide medical advice nor should the information be used to attempt to determine the presence, absence or severity of any illness or medical condition which may be perceived or experienced by the user of this site. If you have or suspect you may have an illness or condition which you believe requires medical attention, we recommend you call your primary care physician. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency please call "911" (or your local medical emergency number) or seek immediate care from the nearest hospital Emergency Department. The provision of information to users of this web site is not intended as an inducement or to otherwise influence a person's decision to order or receive any item or service from a particular provider, practitioner or supplier that is reimbursable under Medicare, a state healthcare program (e.g., AHCCS) or any other healthcare plan.

Physicians are members of the medical staff at each facility, but are independent contractors who are neither employees nor agents of Tenet Florida Coastal Division; and, as a result, Tenet Florida Coastal Division is not responsible for the actions of any of these physicians in their medical practices.