What should you ask your doctor about acute lymphocytic leukemia?

It is important to have frank, honest discussions with your doctor. You should feel free to ask any question that's on your mind, no matter how small it might seem. Here are some questions you might want to ask. Nurses, social workers, and other members of the treatment team may also be able to answer many of your questions.

• What kind of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) do I have?
• Are there any specific factors that might affect my prognosis?
• Are there other tests that need to be done before we can decide on treatment?
• Are there other doctors I need to see?
• How much experience do you have treating this type of leukemia?
• Should I get a second opinion before starting treatment? Can you suggest someone?
• How soon do we need to start treatment?
• What treatment choices do I have?
• Which treatment do you recommend, and why?
• Should we consider a stem cell transplant? When?
• What are the risks and side effects to the treatments that you recommend?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• How long will treatment last? What will it involve? Where will it be done?
• How will treatment affect my daily activities?
• What is the outlook for my survival?
• What would we do if the treatment doesn't work or if the leukemia recurs?
• What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?

Be sure to write down any questions you have that are not on this list. For instance, you might want specific information about recovery times so that you can plan your work or activity schedule. Or you may want to ask about clinical trials for which you may qualify. Taking another person and/or a tape recorder to the appointment can be helpful.