Hi Angela,

The question about survival rate is one I would skip. This is a portal to the whole exercise of marking your calendar for your funeral. It only brings negative consequences and places your mind in a very bad place.

Rather, ask about QOL (Quality of Life) topics and if different treatment options have less toxicity yet similar outcomes.

If you have decisions where QOL and survivability are factors then you need to have that discussion - quality vs quantity. Either way once the treatment decision is made stuff all survivability thoughts into the envelope.

Standard of care. I would ask about and discuss the NCCN recommended guidelines and how closely your treatment follows them. Ask what specifics of your situation factored into deviations from the recommended standards.

Don't forget tumor boards. Make certain your facility uses a team approach and your case is reviewed by a group of experts. That alone is worth more than a second opinion as you are getting a dozen opinions at once.

Good luck,
Don