Questions to ask your doctor about lymphoma

Diagnosis

• What type of lymphoma do I have?
• What stage is the lymphoma? How far has it spread? How fast is it growing?
• Are the latest tests and treatments for this type of lymphoma available in this hospital?
• Are there clinical guidelines for this type of cancer?

Treatment

• What treatment do you recommend? What is the aim of the treatment?
• Are there other treatment choices for me? If not, why not?
• If I don’t have the treatment, what should I expect?
• How long do I have to decide?
• I’m thinking of getting a second opinion. Can you recommend anyone?
• How long will treatment take? Will I have to stay in hospital?
• Are there any out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Medicare or my private health cover? Can the costs be reduced if I can’t afford it?
• How will we know the treatment is working?
• Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could join?
• Will treatment affect my fertility?

Side effects

• What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
• Will I have a lot of pain? What will be done about this?
• Can I work, drive and do my normal activities while having treatment?
• Should I change my diet or physical activity during or after treatment?
• Are there any complementary therapies that might help me?

After treatment

• How often will I need check-ups after treatment?
• Are there any long-term side effects or risks that I need to watch out for?
• If lymphoma returns, how will I know? What treatments could I have?