Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Treatment Questions

Talking with healthcare providers about your 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 bring them to your appointments. Write the answers down in a notebook. Make sure you ask how the treatment might 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 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. Not all of these might apply to your situation, but asking the questions that do apply can help you get a better idea of what to expect.

Deciding on a treatment

• What kind of soft tissue sarcoma do I have? Where is it located? Has it spread to another area?

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

• What is the stage of my cancer?

• What are my treatment options?

• What treatment do you think is best for me? Why?

• Are there any factors that affect my treatment options, such as my age or health?

• What are the goals of treatment?

• What is the success rate of this particular treatment for my type and stage of cancer?

• What is the average life expectancy for someone with my stage of cancer getting treatment?

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

• Should I get a second opinion?

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

• If I choose to wait or not get treatment, what will happen?

• Are there any clinical trials I should look into?

Getting ready for treatment

• How soon do I need to start treatment?

• Do I need surgery? What type of surgery and how long will it take me to recover?

• What are the names of the treatment medicines?

• 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 drive myself or take public transportation to and from treatment?

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

• Can I take my other medicines during treatment?

• How long will I be in treatment?

Coping during treatment

• How will we know if the treatment is working?

• How will I feel during and after the treatment?

• Will I be able to go to work or school and be around my family and friends during treatment?

• What short- and long-term side effects can I expect?

• What are the names of other medicines used to help ease my side effects?

• How long will side effects last?

• Will treatment affect how I look or how active I can be?

• Will there be side effects I need to call you about?

• What number do I call? After office hours? On weekends and holidays?

• What can I do to ease the side effects?

• Should I change my diet? Are there foods I can’t eat?

• 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?

• Will I need any type of rehabilitation therapy after treatment?

• How will we know if treatment worked?

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

• Who will be in charge of my 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 your preferences. Think about what side effects you can and can’t tolerate. Talk about all your concerns with your healthcare provider before making a decision about treatment. You may also want to get input from your family and friends.