Talking often with the doctor is important [2] to make informed decisions about your child’s health care. These suggested questions are a starting point to help you learn more about your child’s cancer care and treatment. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you and your family.

• What type of leukemia does my child have?
• Can you explain my child’s pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?
• Will more tests be needed to confirm the diagnosis?
• What are the results of the analysis of the spinal fluid? What does this mean?
• What are the results of the bone marrow aspiration? What does this mean?
• What are the results of the cytogenetic studies done? What does this mean?
• What are the treatment options?
• What clinical trials are open to my child?
• What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?
• Who will be part of my child’s health care team, and what does each member do?
• Who will be coordinating my child’s overall treatment and follow-up care?
• What are the possible side effects of this treatment, both in the short term and the long term?
• What can I do to protect my child from infection during and after treatment?
• When should I call the doctor or hospital if there is a problem while at home with my child?
• How will this treatment affect my child’s daily life? Will he or she be able to attend school and perform his or her usual activities?
• Could this treatment affect my child’s ability to become pregnant or have children in the future? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before treatment begins?
• If I’m worried about managing the costs related to my child’s cancer care, who can help me with these concerns?
• What follow-up tests will my child need, and how often will he or she need them?
• Are there blood tests or check-ups that can be done closer to home?
• What support services are available to my child? To my family?
• Whom do I call for questions or problems?