Your Child Has Been Diagnosed With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Now What?

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a type of blood cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. ALL most commonly occurs in children under the age of five. Treatment options for ALL have significantly improved over the years, helping most people to live long, healthy lives.

You can read more about the latest treatment advancements for ALL here.  

Even though treatments and outcomes for ALL have improved, a cancer diagnosis can be very overwhelming and create a lot of uncertainty for families. Taking practical steps early on like finding a specialist, being prepared for appointments, and seeking support can help you as you navigate your child’s ALL diagnosis.  

Working with your care team

Your care team will be led by a pediatric hematology oncologist. This is a doctor who specializes in treating infants, children, and adolescents who have blood cancer. It is important to work with a specialist who has experience treating children with ALL. They can help you and your child understand ALL and the treatment options that are available.

Check out our Specialist Directory to find a specialist near you

Your care team will also include other healthcare professionals. These can include advanced care providers, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and others who will work together to ensure your child gets the best possible care.

Educating yourself about ALL and understanding your child’s treatment options can help you feel more empowered and informed. Working closely with your care team can lead to more personalized support and better outcomes for your child.

Preparing for medical appointments

You can help manage the challenges of a blood cancer diagnosis and be actively involved in your child’s care by:

• Learning about the diagnosis and treatment by taking time to understand your child’s diagnosis and the available treatment options.
• Tracking medical details by keeping detailed notes about your child’s symptoms and any treatment side effects.   
• Communicating with the care team by providing updates and sharing your feedback. 

Being prepared with questions before your child’s appointments can also help you feel more confident and ensure you get the information you need to make informed decisions about care. These appointments can move quickly, and it’s easy to forget what questions you have. 

Here are some questions to consider: 

• What are the treatment options available?
• What treatments do you recommend for my child and why? 
• What are the side effects of this treatment?
• Are there long-term side effects of this treatment?
• How can I help manage side effects?
• Are there any clinical trials my child could participate in?
• Do you have any information on any financial resources that we are eligible for?

Taking time to write down your questions in advance can help you make the most of each appointment.

Seeking support

A childhood cancer diagnosis can impact your and your child’s emotional well-being. It’s normal for parents and caregivers to experience feelings of fear, sadness, confusion, or guilt. Children may also struggle to understand their diagnosis.

Child life specialists, social workers, and psychologists are trained to support families during treatment. These professionals can offer resources to help your child cope and connect you with counseling or mental health services.

Building a support network of people who can help can make a big difference. Your support system might include extended family, friends, neighbors, faith communities, or support groups. These people can help with meals, childcare, rides to appointments, and more. 

Support groups for parents of children with cancer can be especially helpful. Talking to others who understand what you're going through can provide comfort, advice, and encouragement. 

Join HealthTree Connect to Cures to meet others with blood cancer and their care partners.

HealthTree is committed to improving the lives of people with ALL.  You can explore treatment education, find a specialist, and even participate in research through simle surveys to improve outcomes for others by creating a HealthTree Account 

Create a HealthTree Account Today!

Sources: 

• What is Childhood Leukemia
• Childhood ALL