First of all, take a breath — what you're feeling is completely valid. Being a support person for someone with DLBCL is a big role, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. You're already doing something right by asking questions.
Here are some great questions to bring to the oncologist:
About the Diagnosis
- What subtype of Show Full Answer
First of all, take a breath — what you're feeling is completely valid. Being a support person for someone with DLBCL is a big role, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. You're already doing something right by asking questions.
Here are some great questions to bring to the oncologist:
About the Diagnosis:
- What subtype of DLBCL has my husband been diagnosed with?
- What stage is the lymphoma, and what does that mean?
- Are there any additional tests needed before starting treatment?
About Treatment:
- What treatment do you recommend, and why?
- Will treatment be outpatient or inpatient?
- How many treatment cycles are expected?
- Are there clinical trials we should consider?
About Side Effects & Daily Life:
- What side effects should we watch for?
- Are there activities or foods to avoid during treatment?
- What support services does this cancer center offer?
About the Road Ahead:
- What does remission look like for this type of lymphoma?
- How will we know if treatment is working?
- What happens if the first treatment doesn't work? Keeping a running list of questions on your phone or a notebook is a great habit. As new questions pop into your head between appointments, jot them down so nothing gets forgotten in the moment.
It also helps to bring a second set of ears to appointments. As a support person, you can help advocate, take notes, and make sure important information doesn't slip through the cracks — especially when emotions are running high. As for how others have managed — many MyLymphomaTeam members have shared that being honest with the oncologist about goals and concerns made a huge difference. One MyLymphomaTeam member noted that speaking openly about what quality of life meant to them helped their care team tailor treatment in a more meaningful way.
You're not alone in this, and one day at a time is exactly the right pace. 💙
2 days ago
Join
Your Privacy Choices
