Start with the purpose of treatment
The goal may be cure, lowering the chance of recurrence, controlling cancer or relieving symptoms. Ask how likely the proposed benefit is for your situation and what may happen without this treatment.
Other options may be appropriate. Discuss them alongside the effect on daily life, rather than assuming every cancer needs the same chemotherapy.
Who can tolerate chemotherapy?
Age alone cannot answer this. Assessment includes everyday activity, frailty, other illnesses, nutrition and available support. In older adults, a broader assessment can reveal problems that a routine examination misses.
Blood counts and kidney, liver or heart function may affect the treatment choice. Bring your medicine list and explain any recent weight loss or difficulty managing daily tasks.
Can it worsen how I feel?
Yes. Tiredness, nausea, mouth sores or low blood counts can occur; effects vary between drugs and patients. Some complications are serious or lasting. Many side effects can be prevented or treated, but no plan removes every risk.
Report new problems promptly. The team may adjust treatment or supportive medicines. Severe side effects do not prove that treatment is working, and mild effects do not mean it is failing.
Agree on a monitoring and review plan
Ask which tests will assess benefit, when the plan will be reviewed and what would lead to a change. If risks outweigh likely benefit, discuss other treatment options and care focused on symptoms and quality of life.
Before starting, obtain the treating team's daytime and after-hours instructions. Do not change doses or stop treatment without contacting them.
Questions to ask at your consultation
- What benefit is realistic for me, and what are the alternatives?
- Which health problems increase my treatment risks?
- Which symptoms require urgent help, and whom should I contact?
Discuss your questions
Discuss the expected benefit of the proposed chemotherapy, your ability to tolerate it and possible alternatives with Dr. Minhem. Bring the proposed plan, existing reports and medication list.
Outside Beirut? Video consultations are available.
Request a video consultationSodeco Square, Block B, 6th Floor, Beirut
Tayouneh clinic and appointments
Both clinics see patients by appointment, with flexible scheduling. Confirm a suitable time before visiting.
Related guides
Browse all patient guidesPatient information sources
- NCI — Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer
- American Cancer Society — Chemotherapy Side Effects
- American Cancer Society — Understanding Your Options for Cancer Treatment
- American Cancer Society — When Cancer Isn’t Your Only Health Problem
- ASCO — Assessment of Older Patients Receiving Chemotherapy
- NCI — Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
General patient information; your medical team can explain how it applies to you.
Sources checked: 4 October 2026.
This guide provides general information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. For urgent symptoms, seek medical care rather than waiting for an appointment request.