Cervical Cancer Questions (Cont.)

Cervical Cancer Questions: Before Treatment Begins

• What is the stage of my disease? Has the cancer spread? If so, where?
• What are my treatment choices? Which do you recommend for me?
• Will I have more than one kind of treatment?
• What are the expected benefits of each kind of treatment?
• What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
• What can we do to control my side effects from treatment?
• How will treatment affect my normal activities?
• What can I do to take care of myself during treatment?
• How long will treatment last?
• Will I have to stay in the hospital?
• What is the treatment likely to cost? Does my insurance cover this treatment?
• How often should I have checkups?
• Would a clinical trial (research study) be appropriate for me?

Cervical Cancer Questions: Before Surgery

• What kind of operation will I have? Will my ovaries be removed?
• Do I need to have lymph nodes removed? Will other tissues be removed? Why?
• How will I feel after the operation?
• If I have pain, how will it be controlled?
• How long will I have to stay in the hospital?
• Will I experience any lasting side effects?
• If I don't have a hysterectomy, will I be able to get pregnant and have children?
• Is there increased risk of miscarriage?
• When will I be able to resume normal activities?
• How will the surgery affect my sex life?