Ewing Sarcoma: Treatment Questions

Talking with healthcare providers about cancer can be overwhelming. It can be hard to take in all the information. It helps to be prepared. Make a list of questions and take it to your or your child's appointments. Write the answers down. Make sure you ask how the treatment might change daily life. Ask how well the treatment is expected to work 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. They might also ask questions you may not think of.

Below are some questions you may want to ask if you or your child has been diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. Not all of these might apply. Ask the questions that do apply so you can get a better idea of what to expect.

Deciding on a treatment

• What type of Ewing tumor is it?

• Where is the tumor?

• Has the cancer spread from where it started?

• What is the stage of the cancer? What does that mean?

• Do we need any more tests before we decide on treatment?

• What are the treatment options? 

• What treatment do you think is best? Why?

• What are the risks and side effects of treatment? Short-term? Long-term?

• Will treatment affect my or my child's ability to have children someday?

• Will treatment affect my child's growth and development?

• What are the goals of treatment?

• What is the success rate of this treatment?

• How much experience do you have treating cancers like this?

• Should we get a second opinion? 

• Are there any clinical trials we should look into?

• Will our insurance cover treatment? How much will we have to pay?

Getting ready for treatment

• How soon does treatment need to start?

• How long will each treatment take?

• Where will treatment be given?

• Who will give the treatment?

• How long will treatment last?

• Will treatment require a hospital stay? If so, for how long?

• What needs to be done to get ready for treatment?

• Who can I talk with about what to expect with my job? School? My family?

• Do you have someone on staff who can help with transportation, finances, and other resources?

Coping during treatment

• How will we know if treatment is working?

• How will I or my child feel during and after the treatment?

• Will my child be able to go to school and be around family during treatment?

• What side effects can we expect?

• How long are side effects likely to last?

• Will treatment affect how I or my child looks?

• Will activities be limited?

• What side effects do I need to call you about right away?

• What number do I call? Is there a different number to call after hours when the clinic is closed?

• What can we do to ease the side effects?

• Are there support groups nearby or online that we can join?

After treatment

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

• Who will lead my or my child's care after treatment?

• Will any type of rehabilitation therapy be needed after treatment? 

• How will we know if treatment worked?

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

• Who will be in charge of our care?

• How can I get a copy of the treatment summary and a follow-up care plan (survivorship care plan)?

Making a decision

When you have answers from your healthcare provider, it’s time to think about what's best for you or your child. Talk about all your concerns with the healthcare providers before making a decision about treatment. You may want to get input from family and friends, too.