7 Steps You Should Take Once
You’re Diagnosed or Relapse with Lymphoma
Being diagnosed with lymphoma can be difficult and understanding all treatment options is overwhelming. Patients recently diagnosed or relapsed with lymphoma may be wondering what the right next step would be.
It doesn’t have to be done alone.
We’ve created an actionable guide that lays out the considerations when dealing with a lymphoma diagnosis to ensure no step is missed and to help manage the process.
Step 1: Understand Your Diagnosis
Understand Your Diagnosis
Ask the right questions. Here are some you can use when speaking to your doctor:
- Where is the cancer located?
- Has the cancer spread from where it started?
- What is the stage of my cancer? What does this mean?
- What is my prognosis?
- What treatment do you recommend and why?
- Should I get genetic testing?
- Should I think about participating in a clinical trial?
Educating youself is essential. Here are some resources you can access to learn more about your cancer:
- National Cancer Institute
- American Cancer Society
- Massive Bio Patient Resources
Step 2: Build A Cancer Care Team
Build A Cancer Care Team
Nobody Should Go Through This Alone
Your cancer care is not just in the hands of your oncologist. There are additional team members to consider enlisting in your fight against cancer.
- Family and friends
- Primary doctor and nursing staff
- Genetic Specialists
- Nutritionists
- Therapists
- Social Workers
- Support or advocacy groups
Step 3: Get the Right Tests
Get the Right Tests
The common tests that you should receive when diagnosed with lymphoma are biopsies of the lymph nodes, blood tests, X-rays, imaging tests, spinal tap, and an ultrasound. In some cases, a biopsy of the bone marrow or spinal tap may be needed. It is important to get the right tests to best decide your treatment options. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) can help you determine your biomarker status, to assist in the selection of treatment.
Step 4: Know All Your Treatment Options
Standard of Care
The most commonly recommended treatment for a type of lymphoma.
Biomarker Status
Knowing your biomarker status can help determine the effectiveness of targeted therapy or other therapies.
Clinical Trials
Cancer clinical trials are research studies used to improve treatments and quality of life for patients.
Expanded Access
Access to an investigational medical product for treatment outside of clinical trials in immediately life-threatening conditions.
Know All Your Treatment Options
Step 5: Handle the Logistics
Handle the Logistics
You will run into many roadblocks throughout your cancer journey. Patient advocates are available to help you manage these logistics. It is important to recognize everything required for you to actually receive treatment for your cancer so you know what is expected.
Step 6: Outline Your Treatment Options
Outline Your Treatment Options
Work with your cancer care team to build an actionable plan and understand all your treatment options and what success means for each. Be prepared with different treatment options if your plans do change.
Step 7: Take A Step Forward
Take A Step Forward
Towards a positive outcome.
Decide on a treatment plan and stay positive during your cancer journey. Know that there are resources and people around you who are willing to help.
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Interested in Lymphoma Clinical Trials?
Massive Bio is 4x more successful in finding cancer clinical trial matches for patients than any other service provider. Partner with our patient advocates to learn how you can access lymphoma clinical trials matched to your unique cancer.
To speak with a member of our team, contact us any time