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Talking to Your Doctor About Hodgkin Lymphoma

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

ConditionInDepth

Talking to Your Doctor About Hodgkin Lymphoma

You have your own health history. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and background with Hodgkin lymphoma. By talking openly and often with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care

Tips for Getting Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier to talk to your doctor:

  • Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask. They may also be able to give more details.
  • Write down your questions so do you do not forget them.
  • Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what you are hearing.
  • Ask for help if you need it. Do not be afraid to ask questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.

Questions to Ask Your doctor

About Hodgkin Lymphoma

  • What is the stage of my cancer?
  • Was I diagnosed early?

About Your Risk of Developing Hodgkin Lymphoma

Based on my past health, lifestyle, and family background, am I at risk for Hodgkin lymphoma?

About Treatment Options

  • How do we best treat Hodgkin lymphoma?
  • What are all my options?
  • What are the risks and benefits of this treatment plan?
  • How long will treatment last?
  • Are there side effects I should watch for?
  • What will I need to change in my daily routine?
  • How will I feel during treatment?
  • What will I need to do to take care of myself during treatment ?
  • What will we do if the treatment does not succeed?
  • Are there any alternative or complementary therapies I should consider?

About Your Outlook

  • How likely is treatment to kill all the cancer cells?
  • How do I know that my treatment is effective?
  • Are their options to help protect my ability to have children?
  • Can you advise a support group or other people whom I can talk with?

References

  • Getting the most of your doctor appointment. American Academy of Family Physicians Family Doctor website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor.
  • Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hodgkin-lymphoma-hl.
  • Questions to ask about Hodgkin lymphoma. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/hodgkin-lymphoma/detection-diagnosis-staging/talking-with-doctor.html.

Contributors

  • Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
Last Updated:
2022-11-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.