Having spent over 20 years practicing as a Medical Oncologist in the Kissimmee and Orlando area, I’ve diagnosed, treated and counseled countless patients. Finding out that you or a loved one has cancer can leave you scared and dumbstruck. Your brain is immediately inundated with millions of questions and concerns, leaving you stressed to the...

Having spent over 20 years practicing as a Medical Oncologist in the Kissimmee and Orlando area, I’ve diagnosed, treated and counseled countless patients. Finding out that you or a loved one has cancer can leave you scared and dumbstruck. Your brain is immediately inundated with millions of questions and concerns, leaving you stressed to the max. It is important to educate yourself and your family about the disease, treatment options and how this will affect your life. Attempting to figure this all out for yourself is a difficult and daunting task. Fortunately, I’m gladly here to lend my expert advice and to let you know that you are not alone.

Become Informed: Ask Your Doctor These 5 Questions

When patients came to me as Dr. David Nyberg in Kissimmee and Orlando area, I’ve always believed in the importance of educating my patients. I have always tried to ensure that my patients were well-informed and knowledgeable about their diagnosis and what comes with it. There are many questions to ask your doctor post diagnosis. Here are my top 5:

1.  What specific type of cancer do I have and what stage is it in?

There are many particular types of cancer under the cancer umbrella. It is important to understand exactly what type of cancer you have and what stage it is in. Accurately diagnosing the stage determines the severity of the disease and guides the doctor in planning the best treatment options for you. This, in turn, will determine your prognosis and the appropriate next steps to take

2.  Tell me more about treatment. What treatment options are available?

This is probably the most important question to ask your doctor. You’ll want to get detailed descriptions of treatment options and their success rates. This will help you and your doctor determine which path to take in the fight to make you cancer free. You’ll also want to inquire about the chemotherapy choices you have and if surgery is recommended.

3.  What medicines will I be taking and what are the side effects? Why do I need to take them and for how long?

It is important for you as a patient to have a clear understanding of what medications you’ll be taking, when, how often and for how long. You’ll want to ask for details regarding side effects, the combined effect of other medications you’re already taking and any other pertinent information you might need. Ask your doctor to be clear on why you’re taking the medications or undergoing treatment. It is important that you understand how the treatment plan is intended to help you.

4.  Are any changes in diet or lifestyle necessary before, during or after treatment?

You’ll want to be sure that you’re not unintentionally engaging in activities or behavior that could hinder your treatment, so it’s important to ask your doctor about needed lifestyle changes. This could include anything from physical activity, diet or day-to-day activities. It’s important to be well-informed so that you do not accidentally deter your ongoing treatment. Typically, after or between treatments, you’ll be able to resume normal activities, but check with your doctor before doing so.

5.  What is my prognosis?

This is probably one of the first questions that will pop into your head when you hear the word cancer, but it’s not one that can necessarily be answered right away. It’s common for your doctor to perform a series of tests and to lay out a treatment plan, so that he or she can give you the clearest answer possible. Be patient with your doctor and in the meantime ask questions along the way and do some research on your own.

Dr. David Nyberg – Happy to Answer Your Questions

These 5 questions are amongst the most important questions to ask your doctor when diagnosed with cancer, but they are many more. I’ll be back frequently to post more important questions that you should ask, but in the meantime I encourage you to do research on your own and make yourself well-informed. For the time being, if you have any other questions you’d like answered feel free to contact me via through the comments form or on Twitter @DrDavidNyberg.

Dr. David Nyberg | Cancer Specialist In Orlando “He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything.”  -Proverb Unemployment, layoffs and a weakened economy have cost many of us our health insurance coverage and ability to pay for medical expenses, particularly for major medical costs like cancer treatment. For many more,...


Dr. David Nyberg | Cancer Specialist In Orlando

“He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything.” 
-Proverb

Unemployment, layoffs and a weakened economy have cost many of us our health insurance coverage and ability to pay for medical expenses, particularly for major medical costs like cancer treatment. For many more, economic challenges and uncertainty may have led to forgoing the ideal cancer care or screenings in an attempt to save money wherever possible.

Dr. David Nyberg -Kissimmee and Orlando

My name is Dr. David Andrew Nyberg, and I created this blog in response to the challenges that compromise our access to cancer treatment today. I have been fortunate to practice oncology as Dr. David Nyberg, Kissimmee, Orlando and Winter Park. While I am extremely grateful for my opportunity to live and work in so many great places, I feel compelled to give something back to the community when so many now struggle.

As a result of the tumultuous economy, many families have lost or cannot afford medical insurance, making free cancer resources and education extremely important. Use this resource to arm yourself with the cancer-fighting tips and information you need to remain healthy with positive lifestyle changes, preventative medicine advice and general exercises that promote wellbeing.

Dr. David Nyberg – Arrested By the Pursuit of Valuable Cancer Information

I will use my expertise as an oncologist in Orlando and throughout the state of Florida to keep you on top of the latest medical news, treatment opportunities and lifestyle guidance available. Through this medical resource, I hope to offer some comfort and support for those of you struggling to find the medical care you need to fight this worldwide leading cause of death.

I welcome regular feedback from those who follow this blog, and wish to make this a true community resource. By fostering a positive, supportive environment, I hope others will contribute and participate in the discussion of keeping up the fight against cancer during the challenging times we find ourselves in as a nation.