BOSTON - Cleveland manager Terry Francona said he plans to accompany his longtime friend — Red Sox manager John Farrell — to his first chemotherapy treatment for lymphoma on Tuesday.

Farrell announced last Friday that he has a "highly curable" form of cancer and is taking a medical leave for the rest of the season.

Francona, who managed Boston from 2004-11, had Farrell as his pitching coach for the 2007 World Series champions.

Farrell worked under Francona from 2007-10. Francona said the two became friends when they played together for the Indians in 1988.

Francona's decision to accompany Farrell was first reported by NESN.

Cleveland opens a three-game series at Boston on Monday night.