Hi everyone,
My mom (65 yrs old) has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in the jaw bone. It is fairly aggressive from my understanding. She has had 3 cycles of chemo already. The tumor responded and now we're trying to figure out the next steps.

We are seeing a radiation therapist tomorrow and I was wondering what kinds of questions should I be ask the doctor?

-Nay

Hi,

Good news the cancer responded to the chemo. Usually a treatment plan is defined that includes all the types of therapies to be used to clear the cancer prior to any treatment beginning. It seems odd to be at this stage and not knowing what is next.

Typical questions for radiation are the number of treatments and the number of gray(radiation unit) to be given. Also, ask if and what kind of chemo might be done at the same time.

As the cancer is in the jaw bone, the radiation will likely weaken the bone so ask how much and what might need to be done in case the bone gets too weak.

Of course, ask about side effects and the expected time for her to respond and heal. So much depends on her health.

Good luck, don