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After treatment and remission

Next follow-up

Follow-up visits in remission are for finding relapse early, watching for late effects and getting answers to your questions.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A gold dot on a calendar.
Figure 1.The next visit — Next follow-up

01Short answer

How often visits happen depends on the type of leukaemia, the treatment and the time since remission: usually more often in the first years, then less often. Each visit usually includes a blood test, an examination and a conversation; sometimes MRD or other tests. Knowing your next visit, doing tests on time and writing questions in advance make a visit more useful.

02Simple explanation

Frequency is individual.

Tests come first.

Write your questions down.

Book the next date.

Know the warning signs between visits.

03Scientific explanation

Follow-up plan: the NCI notes that the plan is tailored to the type of cancer and the treatment received.

Late effects: visits may also check the heart, hormones, bones and emotional health.

Transition: over the years, follow-up may move to a family doctor or a survivorship clinic.

04What happens in the body?

Date

Put the next visit in your calendar with a reminder.

Preparation

Your folder, medicine list and questions.

A bag by the door — Next follow-up
Figure 2.Preparing for the visit.

Questions

Put your two or three most important questions at the top.

Glowing lines on a notepad.
Figure 3.A question list — Next follow-up

After the visit

Write down the results and next steps.

05Preparing for the visit

Four steps.

Date — Know the date.1DateKnow the date.
Tests — Before the visit.2TestsBefore the visit.
Questions — Prepare them.3QuestionsPrepare them.
Next — Book the following one.4NextBook the following one.
TimingNo visit is missed.
Early sightChange is seen early.
CalmQuestions are answered.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
DatePut the next visit in your calendar with a reminder.
PreparationYour folder, medicine list and questions.
QuestionsPut your two or three most important questions at the top.
After the visitWrite down the results and next steps.

07Key terms

Follow-up visit
A scheduled check after treatment.
Survivorship clinic
A clinic focused on care after treatment.
Late effect
A problem appearing years after treatment.
Reminder
A calendar alert.
Care plan
A written follow-up plan.

08Key points

  • Know the next date.
  • Do tests on time.
  • Write down questions.
  • Bring your folder.
  • Book the next visit.

09Frequently asked questions

What if I miss a visit?

Call your team as soon as possible for a new date.

Is bone marrow needed at every visit?

Usually not; it depends on the type and results.

Can I bring someone?

Yes, someone close can help take notes.

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your situation.

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. What if I miss a visit?

  2. Is bone marrow needed at every visit?

  3. Can I bring someone?

  4. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  2. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  5. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Kidney Tests
  6. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
  7. National Kidney Foundation. Pain Medicines (Analgesics) and kidney health
  8. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
  9. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Osteonecrosis
  10. Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation. What is osteoporosis?
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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