Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Newly Diagnosed

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in your lymphatic system. Being told you have cancer can be scary, and you may have many questions. People on your healthcare team are there to help you.

Coping with fear

It’s normal to feel afraid. Learning about non-Hodgkin lymphoma and your treatment options can help you feel less afraid. It also helps you work with your healthcare team and make better choices for your treatment. You can also ask to speak with a counselor or find a support group where you can meet others coping with cancer.

Working with your healthcare team

Your team may include:

• Hematologist. This is a doctor who specializes in diseases of the blood and lymphatic systems, including lymphoma. They may treat people with blood cancers, like lymphoma, with chemotherapy and other medicines.

• Medical oncologist. This is a doctor who uses chemotherapy and other medicines to treat many different types of cancer.

• Radiation oncologist. This is a doctor who uses radiation to treat people with cancer.

• Oncology nurse. This is a nurse who specializes in the care and treatment of people with cancer.

You may have other types of healthcare professionals on your team as well. They'll answer any questions you may have. They’ll help you through each step you take before, during, and after treatment. Your team will let you know what tests you need and the results of those tests. They’ll guide you in making treatment decisions. And they'll help prepare you and your loved ones for what’s ahead.

Learning about treatment options

To decide the best course of treatment for you, your healthcare team needs to know as much as they can about you and your cancer. This may mean getting scans and tests. It may also mean working with more than one type of healthcare provider. You may also want to get a second opinion to help you choose a treatment. This is common. Your team can help you with this.

Getting support

Coping with cancer can be very stressful. Talk with your healthcare team about seeing a counselor. They can refer you to someone who can help. You can also visit support groups to talk with other people coping with cancer. Ask your team about local support groups and online resources that might be useful.