Visiting the clinic or doctor
As part of your treatment and management plan for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), you will be making ongoing visits to your doctor or to the specialist clinic at your local hospital. You will probably have been to the clinic already to meet with members of your healthcare team and to have your first diagnostic tests. Any further tests you might need and any treatment sessions you have to attend will probably also take place either at the clinic or at your doctor’s office.
Don’t worry if visiting the clinic or the doctor is a little daunting at first. Many people feel like this because everything is new. Treatment is often started very soon after diagnosis in aggressive NHL, and there is a lot to absorb in a short period of time.
As time goes on, you’ll begin to learn more about aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
During your visits to the hospital, clinic or doctor, you’ll begin to learn more and more about your disease and its treatment. It may take some time to pick up everything you might want to know, but don’t worry, there are lots of sources of support and information. Lymphoma Life is a great place to start and will always be here as an information resource. You can return to/review the information as often as you need.
You will also be given a point of contact at the clinic, such as a nurse specialist or doctor, to answer any questions you may have. You will have regular check-ups at the clinic on an ongoing basis, so you will always be in contact with your healthcare team if you have any questions.
Learn about your non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma healthcare team
There are many patient and carer support groups to help you. They can also be good sources of information.
Find out about non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma support organisations
Remember to prepare yourself for your non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma appointments
Before you attend each appointment, try to be prepared in advance and remember to have all the things you were asked to bring at the end of your last visit, particularly if you will be staying overnight. Your first appointments may seem overwhelming, but as time goes by you will begin to learn what to expect, be able to understand more, and gradually become more comfortable in the healthcare environment.
It can also be helpful to think about any questions you might have for the doctor before you go, and writing down your questions, and their answers, can help make sure you’ll remember everything.
Find out more about preparing for hospital or doctor visits for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Find out more about ongoing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma check-ups