What to Ask Your Physician
Being assertive about your health is something to take seriously. As a precautionary note, here are some questions you should ask your physician.
Questions about diagnosing testicular cancer:
- What tests are you going to do?
- Why – what are you looking for?
- After the tests will you know for sure whether I have cancer and if it has spread?
- How long will I have to wait before having the tests?
- Are they painful?
- How should I prepare?
- May I go home right after the tests are done?
- How long do the results take?
- How will I be told about the results?
- Can you do a biopsy instead of removing my testicle?
- Can I have a fake testicle (prosthesis) put in during my operation?
- What are the blood tests for?
- What did they show?
- How often will I need blood tests?
Questions About Treating Testicular Cancer
- What stage is my testicular cancer? What does it mean?
- How likely is it to be cured?
- Can it still be cured if it comes back after I am treated?
- Are there any treatment choices?
- How will you know if the treatment has worked?
- Am I likely to be able to father children after my treatment?
- Will the treatment affect my sex life?
- Should I have sperm banking before my treatment starts?
- Are there any clinical trials for testicular cancer treatment?
- How will you know if the cancer comes back?
- For how long will I need to come back for tests after my treatment has finished?
Questions About Living With Testicular Cancer
- Who can I talk to about problems with sex and fertility?
- Can I get help for dealing with my feelings?
- Does the hospital offer counseling?
- What practical help can I get?
- My son is worried he might get testicular cancer. What should I tell him?
- Where is research for testicular cancer happening in the USA?
- What progress is being made?
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