Questions to ask: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
Diagnosis
- Is my lymphoma DLBCL, or another type of large B-cell lymphoma?
- What stage is it, and do I have B symptoms?
- What is my IPI score, and what does it mean for me?
- Is it GCB or non-GCB?
- Was my biopsy tested for MYC, BCL2, and BCL6? Is this double-hit lymphoma?
- Did my lymphoma come from a slow-growing lymphoma I had before?
- Is there a risk it could spread to my brain? Do I need a brain MRI or spinal tap?
- Is the goal of treatment to cure the lymphoma?
- How soon do I need to start treatment?
- Have I been tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV?
- Should I get a second opinion at a lymphoma center?
Before
- Do you recommend R-CHOP or pola-R-CHP for me, and why?
- How many cycles will I get, and how long will treatment take?
- Will I need radiation?
- Do I need treatment to protect my brain?
- Is my heart healthy enough for doxorubicin?
- Will I need a port for my treatments?
- Will I get a shot to boost my white blood cells after each cycle?
- Do I need medicine to prevent hepatitis B or other infections?
- Could this treatment affect my fertility? Can I save sperm or eggs first?
- What side effects should I watch for, and who do I call at night or on weekends?
- Is there a clinical trial that fits me?
During
- Is the treatment working? What did my scan show?
- What is my Deauville score, and what does it mean?
- Are my blood counts safe for my next treatment?
- What can I do about tingling in my hands or feet, or constipation?
- Which fevers or symptoms mean I should go to the emergency room?
- How should I handle high blood sugar or trouble sleeping from prednisone?
- Are any of my other medicines or supplements a problem?
- Can I keep working, and can I be around children or crowds?
- If I need CAR T-cell therapy, how long must I stay near the center, and who needs to stay with me?
- What support is there for my family and caregiver?
After
- Am I in complete remission?
- How often will I have check-ups, and will I need more scans?
- What signs could mean the lymphoma has come back?
- If it comes back, would CAR T-cell therapy, a transplant, or a bispecific antibody be right for me?
- What long-term effects could my treatment cause?
- Do I need heart checks in the future?
- When should I get my vaccines again?
- When can I return to work, exercise, and travel?
- Who will lead my follow-up care, my oncologist or my primary doctor?
- Can I get a written summary of my treatment and follow-up plan?
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.