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Healthcare Question Guides
More information about ...
Choosing a Specialist
Clinical Trials
Complementary and Alternative (CAM) Therapies
Second Opinion Consultations
Pain Management
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Contact Us Healthcare Question GuidesTaking an active role in making treatment decisions can have a positive effect on your health and your quality of life. To help you make decisions, you'll want to know about a number of things, including - How do I choose a blood cancer specialist?
- Will more tests be needed to confirm the diagnosis?
- What is the usual approach to treatment?
- What new treatments are being developed and studied in clinical trials?
- Should I get a second opinion about my diagnosis and/or my treatment?
You may find it helpful to have a family member or friend with you during some of the discussions you have with your doctor. This person can help you by taking notes and providing support. The following list of printable healthcare question guides will help you gather information. Click here for the at-home medications guide. Click here for the questions for caregivers to ask their loved ones guide. Click here for the choosing a specialist guide. Click here for the chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) drug therapy guide. Click here for the clinical trials guide. Click here for the complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies guide. Click here for the denied health claims guide. Click here for the lab and/or imaging tests guide. Click here for the pain management guide. Click here for the second opinion consultations guide.Click here for the second opinion consultation - insurance coverage guide. Click here for the treatment options guide. Click here for the treatment side effects guide. In addition to the suggestions in the healthcare question guides, you can ask anything else you want to know about your diagnosis, treatment, support and personal issues. Return to top More information about ... Choosing a Specialist Hematologists and oncologists are specialists who treat persons with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative disorders and other diseases. It is important to get cancer care in a center or practice that specializes in treating the patient's disease. Some people choose a treatment facility first, while others choose the oncologist they want to be in charge of the treatment. Healthcare coverage and location may play a role in the decision process. Click here for more information about choosing and communicating with a cancer specialist. Click here for more information about choosing a treatment center. You will want to ask questions and discuss any concerns you have with your doctor throughout your treatment. Your treatment options will depend on your diagnosis, age, cytogenetic analysis, overall health and other factors. Treatment approaches for blood cancers may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell or marrow transplantation, or immunotherapy. Read more
Clinical Trials
A clinical trial can be designed to test new treatment(s) that improve(s) response or quality of life for newly diagnosed patients. In other words, clinical trials are not only for people with the most advanced disease. Read more Return to top Complementary and Alternative (CAM) therapies Many cancer centers now offer integrative medicine (IM). IM uses complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies that have been found to be safe and helpful. CAM is used with standard cancer care such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. CAM therapies include therapeutic massage, acupuncture, yoga, herbs, meditation, and music therapy, among others. It is important to talk openly with your oncologist about any CAM therapies you are currently using or considering using. Your oncology team can advise you about CAM therapies that are safe to incorporate with your treatment. Some CAM therapies have been studied and may help some people with treatment side effects (for example, nausea or fatigue). To date, there is no scientific evidence that any CAM therapies will slow cancer progression. Your physician can give you more information. To view or print LLS information about CAM therapies click here. Return to top Second Opinion Consultations You may decide that having a second physician review your case will help you make a more informed treatment decision. Read more It is a good idea to start a file of all your medical records and it's important to have your records sent to the consulting physician ahead of time if you are seeking another physician's opinion. Read more Be sure to check whether your health plan will pay for a second opinion. Pain ManagementSome patients with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative diseases (blood cancers) may experience pain related to the cancer or its treatment. For more information about pain management click here. Get More InformationFor more information to help you cope with your diagnosis, you can order free LLS materials including Each New Day: Ideas for Coping with Blood Cancers, Co-Pay Assistance Program, and Financial Health Matters. Return to top Contact UsThe Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
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1311 Mamaroneck Ave.
White Plains, NY 10605
or call the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572
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