As you cope with your cancer or your child's cancer and the process of treatment, you need to have honest, open discussions with the cancer care team. You should feel free to ask any question that's on your mind, no matter how minor it might seem. Among the questions you might want to ask are:
- What type of Hodgkin disease is it?
- What is the stage? What does the staging mean?
- Are there other tests that need to be done before we can decide on treatment?
- Are there other doctors I (we) need to see?
- How much experience do you have treating Hodgkin disease?
- What are the treatment choices? Which do you recommend? Why?
- Does one type of treatment reduce the risk of recurrence more than another?
- What short-term side effects can be expected from treatment? What can be done about these side effects?
- What are the possible long-term side effects?
- Will the treatment affect my (my child's) ability to have children? Can we do anything about this?
- What should I do to be ready or get my child ready for treatment?
- How long will treatment last? What will it involve? Where will it be done?
- How will treatment affect my or my child's daily activities?
- What are the chances that the cancer will recur? How will I know if the cancer has recurred? What should I look out for?
- What would we do if the treatment doesn't work or if the lymphoma recurs?
- What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?
- Should we get a second opinion? Can you suggest someone?
You will no doubt have other questions. For instance, you might want more information about recovery times so that you can plan work or school schedules. Or you might want to ask about clinical trials.
Be sure to write your questions down so that you remember to ask them during visits with your cancer care team. Also keep in mind that doctors are not the only ones who can provide you with information. Other health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, may have the answers.
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