Oncologist-approved cancer information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology
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Leukemia - Chronic Myeloid - CML

This section has been reviewed and approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 5/2012
Questions to Ask the Doctor

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Talking often with the doctor is important to make informed decisions about your health care. These suggested questions are a starting point to help you learn more about your care and treatment. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you.

  • What is my diagnosis?
  • Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
  • What phase is the CML in?
  • Can you recommend a leukemia specialist?
  • Where is the best place for me to be treated?
  • What are my options for treatment?
  • Am I a candidate for an ALLO stem cell transplantation, and when should it be considered?
  • What clinical trials are open to me?
  • What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?
  • What are the pros and cons of each option?
  • What are the goals of this treatment?
  • Do I need to start treatment right away?
  • Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?
  • Who will be coordinating my overall treatment and follow-up care?
  • What is my chance of remission and long-term benefit, including cure?
  • What are the possible side effects of this treatment, both in the short term and long term?
  • How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?
  • Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?
  • Could this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have children? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before cancer treatment begins?
  • What are the risks of trying to conceive a child while taking a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (such as imatinib, dasatinib, or nilotinib)?
  • If I am worried about managing the costs related to my cancer care, who can help me with these concerns?
  • What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will I need them?
  • What support services are available to me? To my family?
  • Whom do I call for questions or problems?

© 2005-2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). All rights reserved worldwide.