You can feel overwhelmed when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer often linked to asbestos exposure, requiring specialized medical attention. Since this disease is so rare, it’s important to trust your loved one’s doctor to guide them on the correct treatment journey.

Asking the right questions during appointments with their doctor can help you better understand the diagnosis, treatment options, and overall care plan. By being prepared, you can advocate effectively for your loved one to ensure they receive the best possible care.

About the Diagnosis: What Type and Stage of Mesothelioma Cancer Do They Have, and Has It Spread Beyond the Point of Origin?

Inquiring about the type, stage, and if the mesothelioma cancer has spread is important because it will help determine the available treatment options and the most effective treatment available for your loved one.

Knowing the type of mesothelioma is important because each cancer behaves differently in the body. For example, mesothelioma starts primarily in the chest or abdomen. Depending on which, the treatment can be different.

Being aware of the stage of cancer lets you know how advanced the cancer is. For example, early stages (stage 1) offer the most treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy.

Treatment Options: What Are the Treatment Options, the Goals of Treatment, and the Potential Benefits and Risks of These Treatments?

Asking about treatment options, the goals of treatment, and the benefits/risks is essential because it helps you and your loved one make informed decisions. The goal of asking this is to determine which treatment will align best with your loved one’s lifestyle, values and wishes. Cancer does not just cause physical pain but also affects your emotional well-being. It’s important to be able to have as much information as possible to make the most informed decision. Being able to discuss these questions with the care provider builds trust.

Prognosis: What Is the Expected Progression of the Cancer With and Without Treatment?

Asking about the expected progression with or without treatment helps make informed decisions so that you and your loved one can prepare for what lies ahead. Knowing these answers allows you to prepare for the mental and emotional challenges. Mesothelioma cancer doesn’t just affect the patient’s health but their overall livelihood and relationships.

Supportive Care: How Can We Best Manage Pain and Other Symptoms to Ensure Their Comfort?

This question is important because it can help ensure your loved one’s comfort by prioritizing their emotional, physical and psychological well-being. This approach matters because each patient experiences pain and symptoms differently. It also shows respect for the patient’s quality of life and promotes trust.

Planning Ahead: What Should We Prepare for in Terms of Complications or Future Care Needs?

Knowing what you may need to prepare for in terms of complications and/or future care needs allows you and the patient to come up with a plan for the future. It’s important to know and understand your options so that you can have honest discussions with your family that allows you to prepare for the future and know what steps to take next. Having a plan in place can also help decrease the stress of any unforeseen circumstances.

Second Opinions: Would You Recommend Seeking a Second Opinion or Consulting a Specialist?

Asking the doctor if you should seek a second opinion or consult a specialist is another important question because it can give you additional perspectives and ensure the best decision is being made for the patient. Ideally, your doctor will not only tell you yes to getting a second opinion, but will also give you recommendations for specialists to meet.

6 Key Questions to Ask Your Loved One’s Mesothelioma Doctor