Hi!

My mother is about to start the radiation treatment (together with the chemo). What questions should we ask the radiation oncologist at the 1st appointment?

I realize that they are following a pretty stadard procedure (reviewing the pathology report and the history of the desease, doing the C-SCAN, doing the simulation, etc.) Just wanted to make sure I raise all the questions during the appointment as I learned that it is very important to be a proactive patient, as doctors at the Cancer center are very busy, and there is not always a chance to ask follow up questions later.

If anyone can share their experience and insights, let me know.

Thank you!

First of all I am so sorry to hear about your mother. You are at the right place for some answers and support. But please give us more information about your mother. As you will see at the end of my page I have given information as to my oral cancer information. This will help get answers from others that can relate to the same or close to what she has. My first appointment was 2 hours with my radiation oncologist but I can't say they all spend that much time. His best advice to me was a peg tube. Just make sure you write down your questions and write down what he says. It can be overwhelming. Just know that we are here for you.
Tammy

Hi, Ive read your previous posts about your mother. She has gone thru this before but never went thru radiation. Its not going to be easy for either of you. But it can be done, just keep a positive attitude.

As Tammy said, write down what the doctor says so you can look back on the notes. It can be pretty overwhelming with so much info being given during the first few appointments. A peg tube and port would make things easier for your mom. If that isnt brought up ask about it.

If the doc doesnt talk about prescriptions, ask for something called magic mouthwash and some cream for her skin. I used beta-val cream but there are many others out there. Talk to the doc about pain meds, many of us have had the fentanyl patch. There is also a wide variety of liquid ones out there to use if she has a peg tube. Ask about jaw exercises she should start doing now.

A big thing to do now is for her to eat like crazy. It wont matter if she gains weight cuz she will most likely lose it if not more while going thru treatments. There could come a time during treatments that she wont be able to eat properly, so anything she likes she might want to eat now. Even after treatment ends it could be a while before she is able to taste things like before her treatments started.

You will want to know how many rounds of radiation and chemo your mom is getting. Dental work is also very important. Does she still have her teeth or dentures? You will need to take her to the dentist for flouride trays if she still has her teeth. Any dental work that needs to be done should be done now before treatment starts.

For the chemo doc. Ask what type of chemo, the dosage and frequency. Makes sure the doc gives you prescriptions for anti-nasuea meds up front so your mom is prepared. Thats very important to take them even if she thinks she doesnt need them. Once you get behind on that and she is nasueous its really hard to get ahead of it.

Please try to add to your signature some info so its easier for others to respond to your questions.