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🌟 Top Questions to Ask Your Medical Team About ALL

By The Natalie Strong Foundation

A leukemia diagnosis—especially Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)—can feel overwhelming, and it’s only natural to want answers fast. But in those first few days, it’s easy to fall into the trap of searching online and finding a sea of misinformation. We can’t say this enough: stay off Google. Everyone’s body is different, and what you read online often doesn’t apply to your unique situation. That’s why your care team is your most trusted, accurate, and personalized source of information.


To help you navigate the early stages of treatment and recovery, we’ve put together a list of important questions to ask your medical team. These questions aren’t just about treatment—they’re about helping you feel more in control, informed, and supported every step of the way.


📘 Understanding the Diagnosis

  1. Can you help me understand exactly what type of ALL this is, and what it means?

  2. Are there genetic or molecular features that affect treatment or prognosis?

  3. What stage is the leukemia, and has it spread to the brain, spinal fluid, or other areas?

  4. Is this form of leukemia considered high-risk, standard-risk, or low-risk?

🧭 Treatment Plan and Timeline

  1. What treatment approach do you recommend — and why?

  2. What is the expected timeline for treatment phases (induction, consolidation, maintenance)?

  3. Will treatment be inpatient, outpatient, or a combination of both?

  4. Are there alternative treatments or clinical trials that we should consider?

  5. What is the likelihood of full remission or relapse?

⚖️ Side Effects & Daily Life

  1. What side effects should we expect — short-term and long-term?

  2. How do we best manage symptoms like fatigue, nausea, mouth sores, or hair loss?

  3. Will any of the medications suppress the immune system? How can we reduce infection risk?

  4. How will treatment affect school, work, and normal daily routines?

  5. Will there be cognitive or emotional changes to watch for during treatment?

🏠 Home Care & Environment

  1. What precautions should we take at home to protect from infection?

  2. Should we avoid certain cleaning products, plants, pets, or crowded places?

  3. What emergency signs should prompt an immediate call or ER visit?

  4. How can we safely manage medications, especially oral chemo or steroids, at home?

  5. Will any durable medical equipment or home health visits be needed?

🥗 Nutrition & Lifestyle

  1. What foods are safe to eat — and what should be avoided during treatment?

  2. Are there specific guidelines around fresh fruits, raw vegetables, or unpasteurized products?

  3. Should we work with a nutritionist to support energy, weight, and immune health?

  4. Are supplements or herbal remedies safe to use alongside treatment?

  5. What can we do to support hydration and gut health?

💬 Emotional & Family Support

  1. What mental health support is available (counselors, child life specialists, social workers)?

  2. How can we support siblings or other family members emotionally through this?

  3. Are there support groups for patients or parents going through ALL?

  4. How do we talk to our child or loved one about their diagnosis in a way that’s honest but reassuring?

🧾 Logistics, Cost & Planning Ahead

  1. Who coordinates appointments, refills, and communication with the care team?

  2. What resources are available for financial assistance, travel, or lodging if we’re far from the hospital?

  3. How do we handle school accommodations, work leave, or FMLA paperwork?

  4. Is fertility preservation something we need to consider now, before treatment begins?

 
 
 
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