Talking often with the doctor is important to make informed decisions about your health care. These suggested questions are a starting point to help you learn more about your cancer care and treatment. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you.

• Which type and subtype of lymphoma do I have?

• Did a pathologist experienced in the diagnosis of lymphoma review the biopsy?

• Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?

• Should I get a second opinion? Will this include a specialized pathologist reviewing the biopsy?

• How many patients do you see with this type of lymphoma each year?

• Are you Board certified? Do you have sub-specialty boards in hematology, oncology, or radiation oncology?

• Where in my body has the disease spread?

• What stage is the lymphoma? What does this mean?

• What are the treatment options? What is the goal of each treatment?

• Will I need surgery?

• Will I need chemotherapy?

• Will I need radiation therapy?

• What is immunotherapy? Is this treatment appropriate for me?

• What clinical trials are open to me?

• Why is it sometimes appropriate to “watch and wait?” Is this an option for me?

• What treatment plan do you recommend?

• Is my lymphoma curable? If so, what are the chances for a cure?

• Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?

• Who will be coordinating my overall treatment and follow-up care?

• What are the possible side effects of this treatment, both in the short term and the long term?

• How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?

• Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?

• Could this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have children? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before cancer treatment begins?

• If I’m worried about managing the costs related to my cancer care, who can help me with these concerns?

• What caused my lymphoma?

• How can I stay as healthy as possible during and after treatment?

• What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will I need them?

• What support services are available to me? To my family?

• Whom do I call for questions or problems?