Questions to ask your doctor about acute leukaemia

Diagnosis

• What type of leukaemia do I have?
• How fast is the leukaemia growing?
• Are the latest tests and treatments for leukaemia available in this hospital?
• Will a multidisciplinary team (MDT) be involved in my care?
• Are there clinical guidelines for this type of leukaemia?

Treatment

• What treatment do you recommend? What is the aim of the treatment?
• Are there other treatment choices for me? If not, why not?
• If I don’t have the treatment, what should I expect?
• How long do I have to make a decision?
• I’m thinking of getting a second opinion. Can you recommend anyone?
• How long will treatment take? Will I have to stay in hospital?
• Are there any out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Medicare or my 
  private health cover? Can the cost be reduced if I can’t afford it?
• How will we know if the treatment is working?
• Are there any clinical trials or research studies I could join?

Side effects

• What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
• Will I have a lot of pain? What will be done about this?
• How long will I have to have off work or away from my usual activities?
• Will the treatment affect my sex life and fertility?
• Should I change my diet or physical activity during or after treatment?
• Are there any complementary therapies that might help me?

After treatment

• How often will I need check-ups after treatment?
• If the leukaemia returns, how will I know? What treatments could I have?