Typical surgical preparatory questions asked for, on behalf or by a Mesothelioma patient
The surgery itself and preparations you can make
1. What exactly will be done and/or removed during the surgical procedure?
Address any issues, concerns, questions, technical terms, procedures and anything and everything else you do not understand, including risks, preparation, the procedure and operation itself. ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING. Ask about what the procedure is called, what time of day the surgery is being done and confirm any preparations that you have to make prior to the event and how best to prepare yourself for it, both physically and emotionally. Which parts are being removed (lining, tissue etc.)
The surgeon, survival rates and track record
2. How many surgeries of this type for Mesothelioma have you performed?
Ensure that you have the best expertise in the business on your side and on your case! Check references and track record and do not be shy to ask about survival rates and quality of life expectations. Typically people live for 41 months and lead fairly normal lives, are not dependent on oxygen and depending on the nature, location and spread of the disease might live between 2-5 years longer.
Typically post-operatic convalescence in hospital is around 5-10 days, if the patient has not complications from the surgery, with complete recovery around 12 months.
The treatment after surgery
3. How will treatment unfold after the surgery? How long after surgery will the chemotherapy and radiation start?
Chemotherapy will start about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. It depends on the patient, case and severity, stage and treatment plan of course, but typically there are three cycles of therapy. One cycle of Taxol, one cycle of Carboplatinum and then BOTH, followed by 1 month of radiation. Total treatment time is about 17 weeks and the recovery time.
The stage of the cancer and the risks involved
4. Ask about your test results and what developmental stage the cancer is in?
5. What are the risks associated with this procedure?
Be familiar with the odds and stakes in this procedure. Typically risks with Mesothelioma type surgeries are bleeding/hemorrhage, respiratory failure, pneumonia, disrupted diaphragmatic patch, perforated duodenal ulcer, infection, upper gastrointestinal bleed, deep vein thrombosis or death.
Article provided by:
http://www.mesotheliomamedical.com/mesothelioma.htm
