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What should I ask my child's doctor?

It is important to talk to your child's treatment team about the diagnosis and what to expect from treatment. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions. This will help you become a part of the treatment team. It will help you know what to expect and keep you from worrying. Once you get some answers, you will be able to make better decisions about your child's care and help move towards recovery. Consider asking some of the following questions. However, everyone is different in what they want to know. You should develop your own list, which may include questions not given here.

About the disease and diagnosis:

• Where can I find books or pamphlets that can tell me more about the disease?
• Has the cancer spread beyond the kidney?
• What is the stage of cancer that my child is in, and what does that mean?
• What did the imaging tests show?
• Will any more tests be needed? What tests are needed? When and how often will they be given?
• Where can I get a second opinion?
• Should my child see a cancer specialist?

About treatment choices:

• What treatment choices are available?
• What is my child's chance for survival after treatment?
• What risks or side effects are there to the treatments suggested?
• Will my health insurance cover these treatments?
• Is it recommended that my child participate in a clinical trial?

About the treatment:

• How will the treatments be given?
• How can I prepare my child for these treatments?
• How long will each treatment last?
• What side effects can I expect my child to experience, both right away and later in life?
• Can the side effects be treated?
• How can I tell if the treatments are working?

About recovery and returning to school:

• How long will recovery last?
• Does the hospital have a tutoring service?
• How soon can my child go back to school?
• Is there information about my child's special needs to give to the school?