Questions to Ask About Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)

It's important to have open and honest discussions with your cancer care team about your acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Ask about anything you don’t understand or want to know more about.

Below are questions to consider asking about your ALL.

When you're told you have ALL

• Can you explain what ALL is?
• How is it different from other types of leukemia?
• What subtype of ALL do I have? What does this mean?
• Are there other factors that might affect my prognosis?
• Do I need any other tests before we can decide on treatment?
• Do I need to see any other types of doctors?

When deciding on a treatment plan for ALL

• How much experience do you and this medical center have in treating ALL?
• What are my treatment choices?
• What do you recommend, and why?
• Should we consider a stem cell transplant? When?
• Should I get a second opinion before starting treatment? Can you suggest a doctor or medical center?
• How soon do I need to start treatment?
• What should I do to be ready?
• How long will treatment last? What will it be like? Where will it be done?
• What are the risks and side effects of the treatments that you recommend?
• Could treatment affect my ability to have children? If so, how?
• How will treatment affect my daily activities?
• What is my prognosis (outlook)?

During and after treatment for ALL

Once treatment begins, you’ll need to know what to expect and what to look for. Not all of these questions may apply to you, but getting answers to the ones that do can be helpful.

• How will we know if the treatment is working?
• What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?
• Is there anything I can do to manage side effects?
• What symptoms or side effects should I tell you about right away?
• How can I reach you on nights, holidays, or weekends?
• Do I need to change what I eat during treatment?
• Are there any limits on what I can do?
• Should I exercise? What should I do, and how often?
• What are my options if treatment isn’t working?
• Where can I find more information and support?
• Can you suggest a mental health professional I can see if I start to feel overwhelmed, depressed, or distressed?

Be sure to write down any questions you have that aren’t on this list. For example, you might want to ask about recovery times so you can plan your work or activity schedule. Or you might want to ask if you qualify for any clinical trials.

Remembering what the doctor says

It can be hard to remember everything you’re told at each doctor’s visit, especially if you’re anxious or afraid.

Even if the doctor carefully explains things, you might not hear or remember all that’s said or shown to you. Here are some ways to help you remember everything your doctor tells you.

• Take notes on what your doctor says.
• Ask if you can record your talks.
• Take a family member or friend with you.
• Ask them to take notes and remind you of questions you want to ask, so you can focus on listening and talking directly with the doctor.

Doctors aren’t the only ones who can give you information. Other health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, can answer a lot of your questions. Learn more in Who Is the Cancer Care Team?