Questions to Ask the Doctor

If you have a good understanding of your disease and can explain your condition back to your doctor, then you’re in good shape. Questions are your primary resource to gain a better understanding of your disease and enhance your quality of care. Well-thought-out questions can make all the difference and can help you get the most out of your appointments. If you don’t know what to ask, consider questions like:

• What is the diagnosis and/or staging of my AIDS-related lymphoma?
• What type of treatment for AIDS-related lymphoma will I receive?
• How will the effect of cytotoxic (cell-killing) treatment be balanced with its effect on the immune system and possibility for infection?
• Will I receive rituximab (chemotherapy treatment), and if so what will be the optimal regimen?
• Will I receive CART (combination antiretroviral therapy)?