Questions To Ask About Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

As you cope with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and treatment, it’s important to have honest, open discussions with your cancer care team. You should feel comfortable asking about anything, no matter how small it might seem.

Below are some questions to consider asking about your CML.

Questions to ask when you're told you have CML

• How do you know I have CML?
• Will I need other tests before we can decide on treatment?
• What is the phase of my CML, and what does that mean for me?
• Are there other factors that might affect my outlook or my treatment options?
• How much experience do you have treating this type of leukemia?
• Should I get a second opinion? Can you recommend a doctor or cancer center?

Questions to ask when deciding on a treatment plan for CML

• What are my treatment choices?
• What do you recommend, and why?
• How is the treatment given?
• What are the risks and side effects of treatment?
• Can I continue to work, travel, or do other daily activities during treatment?
• What should I do to be ready for treatment?
• What is the outlook for my survival?

Questions to ask during treatment for CML

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 often will you test my blood or bone marrow to see how well treatment is working?
• Is there anything I can do to help manage side effects?
• What symptoms or side effects should I tell you about right away?
• How can I reach your office on nights, holidays, or weekends?
• Is there a chance I could come off treatment at some point? How will we know if this is possible?
• What would our options be if the treatment doesn't work, or if it stops working at some point?
• Are there any limits on what I can do?
• Can you suggest a mental health professional I can see if I start to feel overwhelmed, depressed, or distressed?

Questions to ask after treatment for CML

Most people need to stay on treatment for their CML indefinitely. But some people might be able to try stopping treatment for a time while being watched closely to see if the CML comes back.

• What symptoms should I watch for?
• What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?
• What will we do if the leukemia comes back?

Be sure to write down any questions you have that aren’t on this list. For example, you might ask how treatment will make you feel, so you can plan your work or activity schedule. Or you may want to ask about clinical trials.

Remembering what the doctor says

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

Even if the doctor carefully explains things, you might not hear or remember it all. 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. To find out more about speaking with your health care team, see The Doctor-Patient Relationship.