If you could do it again

Thanks for the update I am just sorry for the diagnosis. The medical profession continues with improvements so we'll see.

Sorry for your reason to be here. With apologies to whatever/whoever I saved this from a few years ago as I have copy and pasted, here is a good list of questions:

1. What is your treatment plan?
2. How many other people have you seen/treated with the same dx as mine? What are do statistics say about the success rate of the recommended treatment? What is your success rate with cases similar to mine?
3. Are there any other treatment choices?
4. Present your rationale for the type of treatment which your are recommending
5. What are the benefits and risks of this treatment?
6. What drugs and dosages will be used?
7. How will the drugs be given and who will perform it?
8. What is the treatment protocol (initial date, time, frequency, duration, etc.)?
9. What are the possible side effects and how should I deal with them?
10. How should I modify my diet during my treatment?
11.Whom should I contact in case there are any complications or if I have any further questions during my treatment?
12. How will the treatment affect my normal activities?
13. I am currently taking the following medicines (vitamins, minerals, herbs). Will this have any effect on the treatment?.
14. What are your feelings about the use of complementary approaches (such as: vitamins, minerals, herbs) with conventional treatment? Would you recommend any?
15. What new treatments are being studied in clinical trials?
16. Would a clinical trial be appropriate in my case?

Plus some in case you pursue a second opinion:

1. What are the risks of postponing the treatment in order to obtain a second opinion, and how long can the treatment be postponed without any health hazards?
2. What documentation (test results, reports, etc.) will I need for the second opinion?
3. How can this transfer of documents be arranged?

Sorry to hear about your mother. She is fortunate to have you at her side!

My first question in trying to understand her situation is what did the pathology report say about the cancer found in her bladder and stomach? Was one of these the primary tumor or is it likely that they are mets from the lungs?
Then I would want to know why exactly they are biopsying the lung? (This is not an easy procedure) or are they planning on excising the entire tumor?

What are the treatment options? What would they suggest and why? What would be the result of any of the treatment options? Side effect? Would these be palliative or curative? Would a second opinion at a major cancer center be of any value?

I am sure that others will have suggestions as to questions. Be sure to write everything down and you and she hear answers to your questions...our memories tend to fail us when we are under pressure!

Wishing your mother, and you, all the best

Sara Anne