Making Treatment Decisions Treatment for ovarian cancer is evolving through research and clinical trials. The decisions that need to be made regarding your treatment are ultimately yours to make in partnership with your physician. Most importantly, although there are several treatment options with similar statistics regarding the potential disease response, the side effects can vary widely from treatment to treatment. Therefore, not only should you talk to your doctor about the various treatment options available to you from an outcome perspective, but you should also discuss:
- Which side effects may accompany each option
- Which side effects are most acceptable for your overall health, lifestyle, and goals of therapy
- In what order should you receive which treatment or drug for the best overall response.
It may be important for you to talk to one or more oncology specialists including a gynecologic oncologist and a radiation oncologist. Seek advice regarding the most up-to-date and appropriate treatment including clinical trials available for your cancer before you make any decision about your overall treatment plan.
Ask your doctor to discuss and compare the goals of the proposed treatment plan as well as the potential side effects of each treatment.
Reprinted with permission from The Wellness Community
The Wellness Community’s Patient Active Guide to Living with Ovarian Cancer
|
