Preparing for an appointment

Start by seeing your primary care doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you. Tell your doctor if you've been treated for cancer in the past, even if you received cancer treatment many years ago.

If you're diagnosed with brain metastases, you'll be referred to a doctor who specializes in brain metastases (neuro-oncologist) or disorders of the nervous system (neurologist). Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may also need to see a radiation oncologist or a brain surgeon (neurosurgeon).

What you can do

• Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
• List any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. Note how long you've been experiencing your symptoms and what makes the symptoms worse or better.
• List key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
• List all medications, vitamins or supplements that you're taking, including doses.
• Consider taking a family member or friend along. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all of the information provided during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
• List questions to ask your doctor.

Preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For brain metastases, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• Are there other possible causes for my symptoms?
• What kinds of tests do I need?
• What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
• What's my prognosis?
• What experimental treatments or clinical trials are available to me?
• I have these other health conditions. How will those affect my treatment?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
• Do you have any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?
• What will determine whether I should plan for a follow-up visit?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

• When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
• Have your symptoms been continuous, or do they come and go?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• Does anything make your symptoms worse?