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

• What is the exact type of T-cell leukemia that I have?

• Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?

• How aggressive is my disease? Is it curable?

• Is it possible to stop its development?

• How can my symptoms be controlled? For how long?

• What are my treatment options?

• What clinical trials are available to me?

• What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?

• 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 are the possible side effects of this treatment, both in the short term and the 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 treatment begins?

• If I’m worried about managing the costs related to my cancer care, who can help me with these concerns?

• How can I keep myself as healthy as possible during and after treatment?

• What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will I need them?

• What support services are available to me? To my family?

• Is there concern about other members of my family getting this disease?

• Whom do I call for questions or problems?