Questions to Ask the Doctor

It is important to have honest, open discussions with your doctors and nurses. Feel free to ask questions, even if they seem trivial. It is a good idea to write your questions down so you will remember to ask them during each appointment. Here are some important questions you may want to ask:

• What type of leukemia does my child have?
• What tests are needed? What do they involve?
• Can you explain the pathology report and test results to me?
• What is the risk group of my child? What is the prognosis?
• What is the goal of treatment? What are the treatment options?
• Will my child's case be discussed in a multi-disciplinary planning conference before any irrevocable treatment decisions are made?
• How will treatment be administered? How often? For how long?
• What are the benefits of each treatment?
• What are the risks and side effects of each treatment?
• Do you have any advice on managing side effects?
• How will my child's condition be monitored during treatment? How will I know if the treatment is effective?
• Should we consider a stem-cell transplantation?
• Would you recommend participating in a clinical trial?
• Will you help me arrange for second opinions if I feel unsure about a next step in the treatment program?
• What should we do if the treatment doesn't work or the cancer comes back?
• What should I tell other people (family members, friends, etc.) about the cancer when they ask?