20 Questions to Ask Your Oncologist Before Starting Chemotherapy
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Farah Zariwala (BHMS)
Last updated: 04/08/2026
The days before a first chemotherapy session are often overwhelming — there's a lot of information coming at once, and it's easy to walk out of the consultation room realizing you forgot to ask half of what you meant to. This checklist is meant to be printed or saved on your phone and brought to your next appointment, so you leave with real answers instead of just a treatment date.
About the Treatment Plan
- What is the specific chemotherapy regimen, and what is it designed to do in my case?
- How many cycles are planned, and how long is each cycle?
- How will we know if the treatment is working?
- What happens if my body doesn't respond well to this regimen — is there a backup plan?
- Will treatment be inpatient, day-care, or outpatient?
About Side Effects
- What side effects are most common with this specific regimen, versus which are rare but serious?
- Which side effects should I call you about immediately, versus manage at home?
- Will I lose my hair, and if so, roughly when does that typically start?
- How will this affect my blood counts, and how often will these be monitored?
- What can be done in advance to reduce nausea, and will anti-nausea medication be prescribed proactively?
About Daily Life During Treatment
- Can I continue working during treatment, or should I plan for time off?
- Are there dietary restrictions, or specific foods I should prioritize or avoid?
- Is it safe to exercise, and if so, what kind and how much?
- What precautions should I take around infection risk — crowds, travel, food handling?
- How might treatment affect my fertility, and are there options to discuss before starting, if relevant?
About Supportive Care and Supplements
- If I want to use any Ayurvedic or other supportive-care products alongside treatment, how should I bring that up with you?
- Are there any supplements or over-the-counter medicines I should avoid entirely during this regimen?
- Is there an oncology dietitian, counselor, or supportive care team I can be connected with?
- Who do I contact between appointments if I have a question that isn't an emergency?
- What does a typical "good day" versus "hard day" look like on this regimen, so I know what to expect?
Before You Leave the Appointment
- Ask for the regimen name and cycle schedule in writing
- Confirm the direct contact number for after-hours or urgent concerns
- Ask whether a family member or caregiver can sit in on future appointments to help retain information
A Note on Supportive Care Questions
If Ayurvedic or other complementary supportive care is something you're considering, question #16 above matters more than it might seem — bringing it up early, rather than after you've already started something on your own, gives your oncologist the chance to flag any interaction concerns before they become relevant. For more on how to think through that conversation specifically, see our Ayurveda and chemotherapy safety guide → and how supportive care fits alongside common chemo side effects →
This checklist is general information to help you prepare for a conversation with your oncologist — it isn't medical advice and doesn't replace your treating doctor's guidance for your specific diagnosis and regimen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, where possible — a second person can help remember details, take notes, and ask follow-up questions you might not think of in the moment.
Yes. Most oncologists would rather know what you're considering than find out later — it helps them watch for any interaction with your specific treatment.
Most oncology teams have a coordinator or nurse line for follow-up questions between appointments — ask for that contact before you leave your first visit.
