Chemotherapy: If You Are Considering It
Questions for the doctor
- What is chemotherapy and how does it work?
- What is chemotherapy used for?
- Why do I need this treatment?
- What medicines will I be taking? How often? For how long? What will they do?
- What are the goals of chemotherapy for me?
- How soon do I need to start treatment?
- How effective is the treatment likely to be for me?
- How will I know the chemotherapy is working?
- What are the risks of taking chemotherapy?
- Where will I get treatment? Should I bring anything with me?
- Will I be able to drive myself or take public transportation to and from treatment?
- Who will give me the treatment?
- Should I do anything to prepare for treatment?
- Can I take my other medicines during treatment?
- Do I need other treatments as well?
- What are the short- and long-term side effects that I can expect?
- How long will the side effects last?
- Will there be side effects I need to call you about? How do I get help after office hours, on weekends and holidays?
- What can I do to ease or prevent the side effects?
- Will I be able to have children after chemo?
- Will I be able to go to work and be around my family and friends?
- Will I need to change my diet or activities in any way? Are there foods I should not eat?
- Are there in-person or online support groups that I can join?
- How much will it cost? Will my insurance cover it?
- Should I get a second opinion?
- Are there any clinical trials I should look for?
Online Medical Reviewer:
Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer:
Susan K. Dempsey-Walls RN
Date Last Reviewed:
9/1/2025
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