Questions are just as important at the end of your child’s treatment as when you first discussed therapy.
Asking the following questions will help you make informed decisions about follow up care and further treatment options.
If your child’s cancer returns, talk openly with the ophthalmologist and oncologist until you clearly understand the nature of the relapse, the goals of treatment and the therapies being offered.
Questions about End of Treatment
- What is the ophthalmology follow up plan for my child?
- What is the oncology follow up plan for my child?
- What tests will be done and what is the schedule?
- What is my child’s risk for relapse of current tumours?
- What is my child’s risk for new tumours in the eye?
- What signs and symptoms should I look out for?
- What treatment options will we have for new tumours / relapse?
- What is your plan for removing the central line?
- My child still has her line. When should I call the hospital if she is sick?
- What is the catch-up plan for immunizations?
- What are the potential long term side effects we should look for?
- Can you arrange genetic counseling or testing?
- What is my child’s risk for second primary cancers?
- What signs should I look out for regarding second cancers?
- Will my child eventually be referred to a long-term follow up clinic?
Questions about Relapse
- What is our goal of treatment?
- Can we still hope to save the eye or are we focusing on saving life (if cancer has relapsed in the eye)
- Can we still hope for cure or are we aiming to keep my child comfortable? (if cancer has relapsed outside the eye)
- Why do you think this treatment is the best option?
- What is the chance of saving the eye / cure with this treatment?
- What are the known or potential risks of the treatment?
- Is there scientific evidence supporting this treatment or is it experimental?
- What are the other options? How do they compare?
- Have you consulted with other doctors? If so, who?
- Did you all agree on this treatment?
- What other suggestions were made?
- Does my child qualify for any clinical trials?
- How long will treatment last?
- Will my child need to stay in hospital?
- What will my child’s quality of life be with / without treatment?