Questions to Ask Your Brain Cancer Care Team- During Treatment
It's easy to walk out of a neuro-oncology appointment realizing you forgot to ask something that mattered. Bringing a written list — for yourself or for someone you're caring for — helps you use limited appointment time well and leave with real answers instead of more uncertainty. Consider bringing someone along to take notes, and don't hesitate to ask your care team to slow down or explain something again.
This information is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice from your care team.
How Treatment is Going
How are you assessing whether my treatment is working?
Is everything progressing as expected at this point in treatment?
What are you monitoring in my bloodwork or other testing?
What could cause my treatment to be delayed, paused, or adjusted?
If treatment has to be paused, what does that mean for my overall treatment plan?
Symptoms + Side Effects
Are the symptoms I’m experiencing expected?
How can we tell whether a symptom is from the tumor, treatment, or medication?
What can we do to better manage my fatigue, nausea, headaches, or other side effects?
Which symptoms should I report right away?
When should I call my care team versus go to the emergency room?
What should I do if I have a seizure?
Are there changes in memory, speech, mood, personality, or cognition that we should report?
About Medications
What is each of my medications for?
Could any of my medications be contributing to how I’m feeling?
Are there medications I may be able to reduce or stop?
If I’m taking steroids, how long might I need them?
When and how might we taper steroids?
What steroid side effects should my caregiver and I watch for?
Support + Rehabilitation
Would physical, occupational, speech, or cognitive therapy help me?
Should palliative care be part of my care team while I’m receiving treatment?
What resources are available for emotional or mental health support?
What support is available for my caregiver?
Who should we contact if we need additional help between appointments?
Daily Life Support
Is it safe for me to exercise?
Can I drive during treatment?
Are there any restrictions around work or travel?
Are there foods, supplements, or medications I should avoid?
How can I best support my nutrition and hydration during treatment?
How much rest versus activity should I aim for?
Preparing for What Comes Next
When will my next MRI be?
What will you be looking for on that scan?
When will we know whether treatment has been effective?
What happens after I finish this phase of treatment?
What should I continue monitoring at home?
