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Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Often, when diagnosed with lymphoma, patients find it difficult to think about what they need and want to know. The questions below may be helpful in initiating a discussion with your doctor and understanding the disease.

General Questions

What type of lymphoma do I have?
What tests will I need to take?
How will this cancer affect my life? My work? My family?
What changes should I expect to happen?
What adjustments should I make to my everyday life?
What treatment do you recommend and why?

Treatment Options

What are my treatment choices?
What treatment do you recommend?
How does the treatment work?
How will treatment affect my life? My work? My family?
What outcome do you hope for through treatment? Do you hope to cure or control the cancer?
What are the names of the drugs I will be given? What are they for and what will each one do?
What other treatments may I have after my initial treatment?
How will you know that my treatment is working?
Is there any recent research or any clinical trials that I should know about?

Side Effects of Treatment

What are the possible risks or side effects of treatment?
What symptoms or problems should I report right away?
If I do not feel sick, does that mean the treatment is not working?
Will my ability to conduct my daily activities be affected? If so, for how long?

Practicalities of Treatment

How often will I need to come in for treatment or tests?
What if I miss a treatment?
How long will my treatments last?
Why do I need a blood test and how often will this be required?
Are there any special foods I should or should not eat?
Can I drink alcoholic beverages?
Who should I call if I have questions? What is the best time to call?

Support

Who will manage my treatment program?
What resources are available to me through the treatment centre? Is there a support group or network?
Where can I go for more information?
Are there any patient groups in the community?

The Future

What are the chances that my cancer may return after remission? What are the signs?
What life changes should I plan for in regards to my work, family, etc?
Will I still be able to have children after treatment?

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