Susan,
Some of the best questions are symptom specific. For instance, I have ________ as a symptom, my goal is __________, what do I need to do to achieve this goal. (fill in the blanks for 1...pain, xerostomia. fatigue, etc. and for 2, ...being pain-free, having a moist mouth, being able to ride a camel across the Sahara, .........WHATEVER!) Those are questions which don't take a crystal ball to answer, as so many open ended questions do (..."When will the pain go away, will I ever have a moist mouth again, will I ever be able to ride a camel across the Sahara?.....) Just make sure that whatever questions you ask, the doctor has a reasonable chance of being able to answer without calling in a psychic. Not trying to be flip, honestly, but so many folks (me included) want guarantees and reassurance that a good clinician won't be able to answer even on a clear day.

I wish you wellness, strength and length of days,
Andrea


SCC L lat tongue,Dx 9/15/05 T1N0MX L MND and L lateral hemiglossectomy 10/03/05. Recurrence 11/15/06 2nd surgery 12/04/06 hemiglossectomy 3rd surgery 01/15/07 tonsillectomy Radiation 01/25/07 to 03/08/07 3-D/CRT X 30