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Guide for patients and loved ones

Where am I now

This section helps you find your place: are you at diagnosis, in treatment, recovering or in follow-up?

Last updated: ~1 min read
You are here
Figure 1.You are here — Where am I now

01Short answer

The leukemia journey can be divided into four main stages: a new diagnosis, active treatment, recovery after treatment and long-term follow-up. Sometimes the path turns back, for example with a relapse or a transplant. Knowing your stage makes it easier to choose the information you need. Below are the key topics and actions for each stage. Check what applies to you with your doctor.

02Simple explanation

Each stage has its own questions and its own key tasks.

Knowing where you are lightens the load.

03Scientific explanation

In acute leukemias the path usually includes induction, consolidation, sometimes a transplant, and follow-up; in chronic leukemias long-term control and periodic review dominate.

“Survivorship” covers the whole of life, starting from the day of diagnosis.

04What happens in the body?

New diagnosis

Write down the diagnosis, know the emergency number, gather documents, prepare questions. See “New diagnosis: first steps” and “Checklist for the first 30 days”.

Active treatment

Infection protection, the fever rule, food safety, a side-effect diary and a treatment calendar.

A path with four stations
Figure 2.A path with four stations

Recovery and follow-up

A treatment summary, a follow-up schedule, late effects, returning to life and psychological support.

A compass
Figure 3.A compass — Where am I now

05Stations on the path

Four stages.

Diagnosis — First information and planning.1DiagnosisFirst information and planning.
Treatment — Cycles and protection.2TreatmentCycles and protection.
Recovery — Regaining strength.3RecoveryRegaining strength.
Follow-up — Regular check-ups.4Follow-upRegular check-ups.
ClarityFinding what you need is easier.
ReadinessYou can see the next stage.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
New diagnosisWrite down the diagnosis, know the emergency number, gather documents, prepare questions. See “New diagnosis: first steps” and “Checklist for the first 30 days”.
Active treatmentInfection protection, the fever rule, food safety, a side-effect diary and a treatment calendar.
Recovery and follow-upA treatment summary, a follow-up schedule, late effects, returning to life and psychological support.

07Key terms

Stage
A particular part of the journey.
Follow-up
Regular monitoring after treatment.
Relapse
The disease coming back.

08Key points

  • The path has four stages.
  • Each stage has its own tasks.
  • The path sometimes changes.
  • Confirm your stage with your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

How do I know my stage?

Ask your doctor: “Which stage of treatment am I in now?”

What happens with a relapse?

A new plan is made; the steps in this section become useful again.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. How do I know my stage?

  2. What happens with a relapse?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Your Care
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Survivorship: During and After Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia—Patient Version
  4. Cancer Research UK. Coping with cancer
  5. Cancer.Net (ASCO). ASCO Cancer Treatment and Survivorship Care Plans
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Female Fertility and Cancer Treatment
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Male Fertility and Cancer Treatment
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Caring for the Caregiver
  9. NCCN. NCCN Guidelines for Patients
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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