Talking with healthcare providers about cancer can be overwhelming. It can be hard to take in all of the information. It helps to be prepared. Make a list of questions and bring them to your appointments. Write the answers down.
Make sure you ask how the treatment will change your daily life, including your diet and your ability to take care of yourself. Ask how you will look and feel during and after treatment. Ask how successful the treatment is expected to be, and what the risks and possible side effects are.
You may want to ask a friend or family member to go with you. They can take notes and write down the answers, and also ask questions you may not think of. You can also ask your healthcare provider if you can record the conversation.
Here are some questions you might want to ask during your appointments.
Deciding on a treatment
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What subtype of AML do I have? How might this affect my treatment and outlook?
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Do I need any other tests before we can decide on treatment?
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How much experience do you have treating this type of leukemia?
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Do I need to see any other types of healthcare providers?
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Can you recommend a leukemia specialist for a second opinion?
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Will treatment affect my sex life or my ability to have children?
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What are my treatment options?
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Which treatment do you think is best for me? Why?
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What is the goal of treatment?
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What is the success rate of this treatment for my type of leukemia?
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Should I get a stem cell transplant? If so, when?
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Are there any clinical trials I should look into?
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Will my insurance cover treatment? How much will I have to pay?
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How soon do I need to start treatment?
Getting ready for treatment
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How long will I need treatment?
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What will treatment be like?
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Where will I get treatment?
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How much of the treatment will need to be done in the hospital? How long will I be in the hospital?
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Can I take my other medicines during treatment?
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Should I change my diet? Are there any foods I shouldn't eat?
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How will we know if treatment is working?
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Will I need any tests during treatment? If so, how often?
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Do you have someone who can help me with transportation, finances, or other resources?
Coping during treatment
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How will I feel during treatment?
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What side effects can I expect?
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How long will side effects last?
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Are there side effects that I need to call you about? What number should I call?
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How do I contact your office with concerns on weekends, holidays, and after hours?
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What can I do to ease the side effects?
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Will I be able to go to work and be around my family?
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How often will I need to see you during treatment?
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Are there any long-term side effects I should watch for?
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Are there support groups that I can join?
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