It is advisable and recommended that you have a support person with you when you are discussing your treatment options with your physician or medical team. A spouse, family member, or close friend whom you trust can provide valuable support and a second set of ears.

1. What are the treatment options for my stage of breast cancer?

• surgery
• radiation
• chemotherapy
• hormonal therapy
• biologically targeted therapy
• clinical trials

2. What treatments are available in either oral or injectible options?

3. What treatment do you feel will work best for me?

4. Why do you think this will work best for me?

5. What are the side effects of your prescribed treatment plan?

6. How long will treatment last?

7. How will the treatment plan be monitored?

8. Do you recommend PET scans in the staging, and restaging of your patients? What other diagnostic tests are available?

9. Will the treatment affect my normal activities? My family?

10. How will the treatments affect my appearance?

11. What studies are currently under way for my type of cancer?

12. Do you recommend participation in a clinical trial? If so, where do I go?

13. What if I would like a second opinion?

14. Where can I find additional support?