ENAR

If you're in shock or feeling scared or angry, it can be hard to process what you hear when you're talking to your doctor the first time. It is important that you have an open discussion with your doctor. Use our guide below:

Ask Questions

Take Notes

Make Decisions

Discuss with Doctors

Bring someone with you who can take notes. Take the time you need to make decisions. If you'd prefer to think about treatment options and then call your doctor with your decision, let your doctor know. Always reach out to your doctor if you need more information or are facing any challenge before or during therapy.1

Reference:

  1. Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment and Planning. BreastCancer.Org [updated 2018 May 14; cited 2020 Jun 05]. Available from: https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/recur_metast/treat_metast. Accessed on September 2021.
“What to Ask Your Doctor” Guide

Questions to ask your doctor about treating metastatic breast cancer1,2

  1. What is the goal of my treatment?
  2. What medicines will I be taking? What are the possible side effects?
  3. Is this the best available treatment for my type of cancer?
  4. What else do you think I need to know about the cancer?
  5. I am worried about losing my hair, is there anything I can do to prevent this?
  6. Will my treatment need hospitalization? Will I need an intravenous infusion?
  7. How will you know my treatment is working?
  8. What can I do to help myself deal with fatigue from the cancer or the treatment?
  9. Will I be getting any radiation or surgery?
  10. If I don't have Cancer Insurance, are there any financial support options for me?
  11. How long do you think I will be able to continue working while receiving treatment?
  12. Would you recommend any support groups that I can reach out who have gone through a similar experience?
  13. Are there counsellors who could help me talk to my family?

Reference:

  1. Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment Choices. BreastCancer.Org [updated 2018 Mar 14; cited 2020 Jun 05]. Available from: https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/recur_metast/treat_metast
    /options    . Accessed on September 2021.
  2. Treatments for Metastatic Breast Cancer. Susan G. Komen [updated 2020 May 18; cited 2020 Jun 05]. Available from: https://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/Recommended
    TreatmentsforMetastaticBreastCancer.html    . Accessed on September 2021.