Questions to Ask the Doctor

One of your biggest allies in battling Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is your oncologist. Questions are your primary resource to gain a better understanding of your disease and enhance your quality of care. Well-thought-out questions can help you get the most out of your appointments and can make all the difference. Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• What is the stage of my disease? What is my prognosis?
• What are my treatment options?
• Will my case be discussed in a multi-disciplinary planning conference before any irrevocable treatment decisions are made?
• What are the benefits of each treatment?
• What are the risks and side effects of each treatment? Will I get "sick" from treatment?
• Do you have any advice on managing side effects? What can I do to take care of myself during treatment?
• Are there any clinical trials available for treatment of my lymphoma? Would you recommend that I participate in one?
• Will you help me arrange for second opinions if I feel unsure about a next step in my treatment program?
• What should I tell other people (kids, parents, siblings, friends, etc.) about my cancer when they ask?
• Can I be treated as an outpatient, or do I have to be treated in the hospital?