What Should You Ask Your Doctor About Acute Myeloid Leukemia?

It is important to have open and honest communications with your doctor about your condition. Ask about anything you don’t understand or want to know more about. For instance, consider these questions:

• What kind of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) do I have?
• Are there any specific factors that might affect my prognosis?
• Do I need other tests before we can decide on treatment?
• Do I need to see any other doctors?
• How much experience do you and this medical center have treating this type of cancer?
• Should I get a second opinion?
• What are my treatment choices?
• Should we consider a stem cell transplant? When?
• Which treatment do you recommend, and why?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• How long will treatment last? What will it be like? Where will it be done?
• What are the risks and side effects of treatment?
• How will treatment affect my daily activities?
• What is my prognosis?
• What will we do if the treatment doesn’t work or if the leukemia comes back?
• 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 expected recovery times. Or you may want to ask about clinical trials for which you may qualify. Taking another person and/or a tape recorder to your appointments can be helpful.

Keep in mind, too, that doctors aren’t the only ones who can give you information. Other health care professionals, such as nurses and social workers, might be able to answer some of your questions. You can find out more about speaking with your health care team in Talking With Your Doctor.