You will likely have many questions if plaque or radiotherapy has been proposed for your child,
The following questions will help you discuss the recommended treatment with the ophthalmologist, medical and/or radiation oncologist.
Open conversation is important to help you make fully informed decisions about therapy and how to support your child.
Ask the Doctor about Radioactive Plaque
- Why does my child need a plaque?
- What are the alternatives to radiation?
- How much experience do you have using plaques for retinoblastoma?
- How long will surgery take to place / remove the plaque?
- How long will the plaque be in place?
- What is the total dose of radiation she will receive?
- Can I stay with my child in the isolation room?
- What are the risks of radiation exposure to me if I stay?
- What are the possible side effects?
Ask the Doctor about External Beam Radiotherapy
- Why does my child need radiotherapy?
- What are the alternatives to radiotherapy?
- What type of radiotherapy will she receive?
- Will she have lens sparing or whole eye radiotherapy? (applies only to tumours in the eye)
- How much experience do you have in giving this type of radiation for retinoblastoma?
- What part of her brain/spine will be irradiated? (applies only to trilateral and extraocular retinoblastoma)
- What will the total dose of radiation be?
- How many treatments will she have?
- Will a mask / restraints be used?
- Will anaesthesia / sedation be used?
- How long will each treatment take?
- Can I stay with my child during mask making and simulation?
- Can I stay with my child during set-up each day?
- What are the possible side effects (short, medium and long-term)?
