Diagnosed with a Serious Illness? 5 Questions to Ask

The minutes, hours, and days after a severe illness diagnosis are filled with confusion, concern, and outright fear. One of the best things to do is gather as much factual information as possible to understand you or your loved one’s new reality and create a plan of attack going forward to make the entire process more comfortable. These five questions to ask when diagnosed with a serious illness will help your physical, mental, and emotional states as you deal with everything from managing physical symptoms to the unpleasant feelings that well up inside.

Do I Have Any Treatment Options in the Short or Long Term?

After receiving a difficult diagnosis, the first thing to find is if there are treatment options and the best choice for your specific case. While multiple treatments may exist, they may not provide the outcome you want. Explore ways to improve your short-term comfort levels and the potential for long-term improvements for your overall longevity and quality of life.

What Are the Best- and Worst-Case Scenarios for Varying Levels of Treatment?

This question encompasses the “How long do I have?” discussion. While many serious diagnoses have cure rates, it is possible to face your mortality suddenly. Amid all of the emotional turmoil, it is essential to gather information about the best possible outcome and the worst-case scenarios. This knowledge allows you to make informed decisions for your care and the potential end of life experience.

What Side Effects Should I Expect With Treatment?

The decision to start treatment with a small chance of success should be tempered with a full understanding of the potential side effects that can disrupt your enjoyment of the time you have. These are also essential questions for medical powers of attorney and the loved ones who cannot make these choices for themselves. Is extra time worth dealing with uncomfortable, unpleasant, or even more severe side effects?

Are There Other Support Services or Potential Help Available?

Besides getting a second opinion on the diagnosis and medical treatment plan options from your physician, ask about other possibilities for support and assistance. This could range from a full-time nursing care facility or hospice & palliative care to unique medical centers associated with one specific diagnosis like cancer.

How Can I Contact You With More Questions?

Props one of the most important questions to ask concerns your ability to follow up and get additional information from your doctor or medical team when you need it. Conditions can change rapidly with severe disease or condition diagnosis. You may not think of all the essential questions upfront or need clarification on something said in the past when you think about it later.

After a difficult diagnosis, it always helps to have a family member or close friend on your side to help you remember these questions and others and take notes and talk with you later to thoroughly understand the options. Informed decisions can make a difference in everything from time comfort and more.