It is essential for the patients to have an honest, open discussions with the doctor or the cancer care team. Undoubtedly, the patient should ask any question, no matter how minor it might seem. Likewise, here are some questions patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma might want to ask:
Common Questions patients can ask to the healthcare team by all means
- What kinds of tests should be performed for the detection of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and when?
- What treatments are available to me for non-Hodgkin lymphoma particularly?
- Consequently, how does non-Hodgkin lymphoma affect the quality of my life?
- How many different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are there?
- Which type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more fatal?
- Which stage is the lymphoma and what does this indicate?
- Is my cancer curable? If yes, then what are the chances of a cure and if not, then can it be kept under control?
- Do I need other tests to decide on treatment?
- What are my treatment options and which one would you recommend?
- Do I need to get a second opinion before starting treatment? Additionally, can you recommend a doctor or cancer centre?
- How soon should I start treatment?
- Some ways in which I prepare for treatment?
- How long does the treatment last?
- What are the short-term side effects of the treatment? Additionally, 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 significantly?
- How may treatment affect my daily activities?
- 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?
Questions to ask about having radiation therapy
- Which radiation therapy would you recommend and why?
- How long does this treatment take?
- What area are you planning to treat?
- What is the purpose of this treatment?
- What side effects are expected during treatment?
- What are the possible long-term consequences of radiation therapy?
- How can I prevent side effects?
- Who should I contact about side effects? And, how soon?
- What specific techniques would you use to reduce the risk of late treatment?
Questions to ask about stem cell/bone marrow transplantation
- What type of transplant do you recommend?
- How long will the treatment last?
- What is the purpose of this treatment?
- Can you tell me how my recovery will be?
- What are the possible long-term consequences of this treatment?
- How can I prevent side effects?
- Who should I contact about side effects? And how soon?
Questions to ask about planning follow-up care
- What type of follow-up will be required after treatment?
- What are the chances of cancer relapse? Should I look for any particular signs or symptoms?
- What symptoms should I pay attention to?
- What are the additional tests required, and how often?
- 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?
- Who will guide my future treatment?
- How do I get the Treatment Summary and Survival Management Plan to be kept in my record?
- What support services options are available to me and for my family?
