Our 24/7 cancer helpline provides information and answers for people dealing with cancer. We can connect you with trained cancer information specialists who will answer questions about a cancer diagnosis and provide guidance and a compassionate ear.
Our highly trained specialists are available 24/7 via phone and on weekdays can assist through online chat. We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with essential services and resources at every step of their cancer journey. Ask us how you can get involved and support the fight against cancer. Some of the topics we can assist with include:
Referrals to patient-related programs or resources
Donations, website, or event-related assistance
Tobacco-related topics
Volunteer opportunities
Cancer Information
For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor.
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Questions to Ask About Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
As you cope with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) 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 CLL.
What are the risks and side effects of the treatments that you recommend?
How often will you test my blood or bone marrow to see how treatment is working?
What should I do to be ready for treatment?
How long will treatment last?
What will it be like? Where will it be done?
How will treatment affect my daily activities?
Can I continue to work or travel during treatment?
What is the outlook for my survival?
Questions to ask during treatment for CLL
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?
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?
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 CLL
What symptoms should I watch for?
What type of follow-up will I need after treatment?
What will we do if the treatment doesn't work or if the leukemia comes back?
When can I return to my normal activities?
Be sure to write down any questions you have that aren’t on this list. For instance, you might want to ask about how you'll feel so that you can plan your work or activity schedule. Or you may want to ask about clinical trials that might be right for you.
Remembering what the doctor says
It can be hard to remember all of the things 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 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 remind you of questions you want to ask and ask them to take notes, 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.