What could I ask my doctor?
The following pages can serve as a guide to help you get the most from your doctor visit. It might help to print out pages, add any other questions you have, and take these pages with you to your appointment.
About cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
What to expect during your visit
Diagnosing CTCL or GVHD can be difficult, since symptoms can mimic symptoms seen in other skin diseases. Be prepared to answer questions about your symptoms and how they are affecting your life
Be as specific as possible: Is your itching severe? Are you becoming depressed from your skin problems? Are you having trouble sleeping? Tell your doctor everything. Leave nothing out. Consider writing down all your thoughts ahead of time.
What to ask your doctor
What is CTCL/GVHD?
Do I have CTCL/GVHD?
If I have CTCL/GVHD, what type do I have?
Please type any additional questions below
About your symptoms
What to expect during your visit
Symptoms of CTCL/GVHD can vary greatly from person to person. Expect your doctor to carefully examine you to look for disease signs and symptoms.
What to ask your doctor
Do I have symptoms of CTCL/GVHD?
Could my symptoms possibly be caused by anything else?
Are there other symptoms I should be looking for?
Can my symptoms change over time?
How long do the symptoms last?
What stage/degree of CTCL/GVHD do I have?
Please type any additional questions below
About the treatments
What to expect during your visit
There are many possible treatments for CTCL/GVHD. Your doctor is the only one who can determine which treatment – or combination of treatments – is right for you. Expect any new doctor you see to ask if you've received treatment for CTCL/GVHD in the past, which treatments you've tried, and whether those treatments helped relieve your symptoms
What to ask your doctor
What treatments are available to me?
What are the benefits and side effects of those treatments?
Are counselling or support groups available?
Please type any additional questions below
About living with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
What to expect during your visit
Living with CTCL/GVHD can be a challenge, and your doctor will understand that symptoms can be painful and, in many cases, visible on the skin, which may make some patients uncomfortable about showing their skin in public. Depression is not uncommon under these conditions, so expect your doctor to ask how you're coping with your symptoms.
What to ask your doctor
What sleep aids are available to me?
Would antidepressant medications be appropriate?
What kind of supportive treatments can I try?
Please type any additional questions below
About THERAKOS™ Photopheresis
What to expect during your visit
THERAKOS™ has helped many patients with CTCL/GVHD in the past and has been used in over 500,000 treatments. Your doctor may consider it a possible treatment for you. However, not all patients will respond to treatment.
What to ask your doctor
Is THERAKOS™ Photopheresis an option for me?
How will I know if the therapy is working?
How long will it take to work in my body?
Will symptoms go away entirely?
Will I be cured?
What side effects might I experience?
How long will I receive therapy for?
What should I do before, during, and after treatment?
Is there anything I need to do or avoid after treatment?
Are there any foods or medications that I should avoid after treatment?
Please type any additional questions below
