Friday, June 6, 2014

Blog Post 4: Questions To Ask Your Healthcare Provider



Being diagnosed with testicular cancer and the subsequent treatment and management; can be traumatic and confusing, however, becoming informed about cancer and its effects will better prepare you to undergo the challenges associated with testicular cancer. Here are a few questions to ask your healthcare provider:

Initial Visit
  • I feel an abnormal lump on my testicle, what could it be?
  • What is testicular cancer?
  • What are the causes of testicular cancer?
  • What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?
  • What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?
  • Will people be able to tell that I have testicular cancer?
  • What is the prevalence of testicular cancer?
  • Who is at risk for developing testicular cancer?
  • How is testicular cancer diagnosed?
  • What are the symptoms of testicular cancer?
  • What lifestyle habits contribute to the development of testicular cancer?
  • Is testicular cancer genetic?
  • How can I prevent testicular cancer?
  • How is testicular cancer diagnosed?

After a Positive Diagnosis
  • How will testicular cancer affect my sex life?
  • Should I inform my family, friends, and co-workers of my diagnosis?
  • What are the stages of testicular cancer?
  • Can I become infertile?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • Can it be cured?
  • What is the survival rate?
  • Can my cancer spread? 

Preoperative
  • Will the treatment cause any discomfort?
  • How much time will I need for recovery?
  • Will my treatment take place at an outpatient facility?
  • What medications will I be taking?
  • Which treatment option is best for me, chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery?
  • Which type of treatment do you recommend?
  • Is one type of treatment more effective than another?
  • Can the cancer return?
  • What side effects can I expect from the treatment?
  • Will I need to see other doctors?
  • Should I seek another opinion?
  • What are my fertility options?
  • What are testicular implants?
  • Will the treatment affect my ability to gain and maintain an erection?
  • How will my testosterone levels be affected?
  • What are some alternative and holistic treatment options?
  • How should I prepare for my treatment?
  • Is testicular cancer painful?
  • Does testicular cancer put me at greater risk for developing certain STDs?
  • How will a treatment option affect my appearance?
  • Should I abstain from sexual intercourse, if so, for how long?
  • Will testicular cancer and treatment affect my sperm count?
Postoperative/Follow Up
  • What is remission?
  • Is my cancer in remission?
  • Will I need further treatment?
  • I’m feeling discomfort, is that normal?
  • Testicular Cancer Management
  • What are the lifestyle changes that I have to make?
  • How often should I perform a testicular self examination?
  • How can I prevent my can from reoccurring?
  • How often should I have a check up with my physician?
  • Am I at risk for developing other types of cancer?
  • Can my son get testicular cancer?
  • Should I limit my alcohol consumption?
  • Should I quit smoking?
  • How can I change my diet
  • How often can I have sex?
  • Can my partner and I try to have children?
  • How long do I have to take testosterone?

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