Introduction
Learning that you have cancer is one of the most shocking and devastating experiences that anyone can have. Apart from the disease itself, even the treatment options are frightening and challenging.
Step 1
Surgery cancer is an operation for the purpose of repairing or removing a part of the body to either diagnose or treat cancer. The prospect of surgery cancer can make any patient feel anxious. To help put you mind at ease, it is advisable to learn as much as you can about this type of surgery. A wealth of information is available on accredited hospital or health-related websites and also in books. Further, you should be able to talk to your doctor or surgeon about any question you may have about the surgery cancer.
Step 2
Before consenting to the surgery, it is advisable to learn as much as you can about the benefits, risks, and side effects of the operation. The best person to talk to is your doctor. Below are some questions that you might want to ask him to guide you in making your decision.
Step 3
Why is this operation necessary?
What are the chances of success?
Is there another option for treating the cancer?
Aside from the cancer, am I healthy enough to survive the stress of surgery and the medication associated with it?
Do you have a certification from the appropriate board of surgery and/or specialty surgery board?
What should I expect after the surgery cancer?
Will there be a lot of pain? Will I need drains or catheters?
How long am I expected to be in the hospital?
In what way will my body be affected by the surgery cancer?
Will it work or look different? Will the changes be permanent?
Step 4
How many similar surgery cancer have you performed?
What is your success rate?What is it exactly that you will be doing in this surgery cancer?
How long will the surgery cancer take?
Will I be needing blood transfusion?
Step 5
How long am I expected to take before I can go back to my usual activities?
What are the risks and possible effects of this type of operation?
Is there a risk of death or disability?
What is going to happen if I decide not to have the operation?
Do I have time to think about my choices and/or get a second opinion?
Tips
To help you learn more about surgery cancer and to assist you in making an informed decision, it is also advisable to seek a second opinion from another surgeon. Your current doctor should not have any problem with this.
Sources and Citations
Aside from the medical side of surgery cancer, it is also recommended that you talk to your insurance provider to find out if the cost of the surgery is covered by your insurance plan. This way, you can find other means of paying for the surgery before the surgery cancer is performed if it is not covered by your insurance plan.
