It is essential for the patients to have honest, open discussions with the doctor or the cancer care team. The patient should ask any question, no matter how minor it might seem. Here are some questions patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma might want to ask:
Common Questions to be asked by patients to the healthcare team
- What are the types of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Which is the stage of Hodgkin’s lymphoma? What does this indicate?
- Do I need other tests to decide on treatment?
- Should I see another doctor?
- Who can help me if I’m concerned about the cost of my diagnosis and treatment as well as insurance coverage?
- What are my treatment options? Which one would you recommend? Why?
- How long have you been treating Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Does one treatment reduce the risk of lymphoma recurrence more than the other treatment?
- Do I need to get a second opinion before starting treatment? Can you recommend a doctor or cancer centre?
- When should I start treatment?
- How can I prepare for treatment?
- How long does the treatment last? Where will this work happen?
- What are the short-term side effects of the treatment? Can you do something about them?
- What are the possible long term side effects?
- Can I have children after treatment? Can I do something about it?
- How may treatment affect my daily activities?
- How likely is lymphoma to recur? What would we do if this happened?
- How do I know that the treatment is working?
- Is there anything I can do to manage the side effects?
- What side effects or symptoms should I look for and report immediately?
- How can I contact you at night, on weekends or public holidays?
- Can you recommend a mental health professional who can tell if I am in shock, distressed or depressed?
Questions to ask about having radiation therapy
- Which radiation therapy would you recommend? Why?
- What area are you planning to treat?
- How long does this treatment take?
- What is the purpose of this treatment?
- May I know the possible long-term consequences of radiation therapy?
- What side effects are expected during treatment?
- Who should I contact about side effects? And how soon?
- What specific techniques would you use to reduce the risk of late treatment?
- How can I prevent side effects?
Questions to ask about stem cell/bone marrow transplantation
- What type of transplant do you recommend?
- What is the purpose of this treatment?
- How long will I have to remain in the hospital?
- Can you tell me how my recovery will be?
- Who should I contact about side effects? And how soon?
- What are the possible long-term consequences of this treatment?
- How can I prevent side effects?
Questions to ask about planning follow-up care
- What type of follow-up will be required after treatment?
- What symptoms should I pay attention to?
- How likely is cancer to come back? Should I look for any particular signs or symptoms?
- How do I know if my lymphoma has recurred? If so, what are my chances?
- What are the long-term side effects of my cancer treatment?
- Are there any additional tests required, and how often?
- What support services options are available to me and for my family?
- How do I get the Treatment Summary and Survival Management Plan to be kept in my record?
- Who will guide my future treatment?
- What are the survivor support services available for my family and me?
