What should I bring to my first oncology appointment for Leukemia

What to Bring to Your First Leukemia Oncology Appointment

Your first appointment is an important step in getting the right care. Here's what you should bring to help your care team understand your situation and make the best treatment decisions:

Essential Medical Documents

Previous test results and records:

• Any blood work, bone marrow biopsies, or pathology reports you've already had
• Imaging results (CT scans, MRI, PET scans) if available
• Hospital discharge summaries if you were recently hospitalized
• Records from your primary care doctor

Current medications and supplements:

• A written list of ALL medications you're taking (prescription and over-the-counter)
• Include dosages and how often you take them
• List any vitamins, herbs, or supplements—these can interact with leukemia treatments
• Bring the actual bottles if possible, so your doctor can see exactly what you're taking

Personal Health Information

Medical history details:

• A timeline of any previous illnesses, surgeries, or treatments
• Information about any cancer in your family (relatives who had cancer, what type, and at what age)
• Your allergies, especially to medications or contrast dyes used in imaging

According to the NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Acute Myeloid Leukemia, your care team will ask detailed questions about your family history because "it's important to know the specific type of cancer or where the cancer started, if it is in multiple locations, and if they had genetic testing."

Insurance and Administrative Items

• Insurance card and photo ID
• Any referral forms your primary care doctor provided
• A list of questions you want to ask (see below)

Items to Help You Participate Actively

Support person:

• Bring a trusted family member or friend if possible. According to NCCN Guidelines, "it's beneficial to have a support system in place during diagnosis and treatment" and "consider bringing someone with you to doctor visits if possible."

Notebook or device for notes:

• Write down what your doctor says, or have your support person take notes
• This helps you remember important information later

List of questions: Here are some important questions to ask at your first appointment:

1. What subtype of leukemia do I have, and what does this mean for my treatment options?
2. What tests will I need, and how often will they be repeated?
3. What is my risk group, and what does that tell us about my prognosis? (According to NCCN Guidelines, "Risk groups are used to make decisions about treatment and to gain information about the likely course your cancer will take.")
4. What are the main treatment approaches for my specific type of leukemia?
5. What are the goals of treatment, and what does remission mean?
6. How might treatment affect my fertility or ability to have children in the future?
7. What side effects should I expect, and how will we manage them?
8. Is there a cancer center nearby that specializes in my subtype of leukemia?

Why This Matters

The NCCN Guidelines emphasize that "accurate testing is needed to diagnose and treat AML" and that your care team will use "results from blood tests, bone marrow aspirate and biopsy, and imaging studies to guide your treatment plan." Having all your previous results organized helps your oncologist make informed decisions without repeating unnecessary tests.

Final Tip

Don't worry if you forget something—your care team can request records from other providers. However, having everything organized shows you're engaged in your care, which research shows leads to better outcomes.

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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.