Questions to Ask
Few of us know much about lymphoma until it affects us personally, and then we are suddenly faced with enormous challenges, both emotionally and practically. When I was first diagnosed, I was suddenly surrounded by perfect strangers who were asking me to make important decisions that would affect my life, and I had very little time to make those choices. In fact, I've often had more time to find the perfect pair of shoes to match an outfit!
You, too, will be asked to make decisions, and making them will be easier with answers to some important questions. Following are a few basic questions for your doctor that may help you to make the right choice for you:
1. What is the EXACT type and stage of lymphoma that I have and how does that affect my prognosis?
2. What type of treatments are available for my lymphoma and what are the risks and benefits of each?
3. What are the side effects, both short and long term, of each of the treatment options?
4. Are any of the side effects permanent?
5. How are side effects managed?
6. What treatment do you recommend and why?
7. What other treatment should I consider?
8. What clinical trial is available for my situation?
And if your doctor is an oncologist (one which treats cancer in general), you may wish to ask if he or she could recommend a hematologist-oncologist (one which specializes in cancers of the blood).
You will have your own specific questions. I found that it was very helpful to write them down before visiting the doctor so that I didn't forget any of them. I even know some patients who have taken tape recorders to record the answers!
Finally, don't ever be embarrassed or afraid to ask a question, no matter how silly or trivial it might seem. There is no "dumb" question if you don't know the answer.
Learning to live with lymphoma truly is much easier when you understand the emotional, practical and financial aspects, and the only way to do that is to ask, ask, ask until you find the answers to your questions.
Betsy