Acute myeloid leukaemia follow up

This page tells you about follow up appointments for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). You can find information on

A quick guide to what's on this page
Why you need check ups
How often you will have check ups
What happens during your check up
Coping with worry

Acute myeloid leukaemia follow up

After your treatment has finished, you will need to have regular check ups. This is because it is possible that the leukaemia could come back. And if you had chemotherapy or other intensive treatment, your doctors need to keep an eye on you to make sure you don't have any complications.

How often you will have check ups

Your check ups will continue for several years. At first, they will be every few weeks. If all is well, you will go less and less often. Let your doctor or nurse know straight away if you are worried, or notice any new symptoms between appointments. You don't have to wait until the next appointment.

What happens during your check up

Check ups are likely to include blood tests and bone marrow tests. Your doctor will examine you and make sure you don’t have any new symptoms. They will also ask about any side effects you may have from your treatment.

Coping with worry

Many people worry about going for their check ups. You may find it helpful to tell someone close to you how you are feeling. It is common for people to have counselling after leukaemia treatment. Find out more in the ‘coping with cancer’ section of CancerHelp UK.

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Your check ups will continue for several years. At first, they will be every few weeks. If all is well, you will go to outpatients less and less often. A typical follow up schedule is monthly appointments for 3 months, then 2 monthly for 6 months, then 3 monthly for up to 3 years after your treatment

Check ups are likely to include

Blood tests
Bone marrow tests

At the very least, your doctor will examine you and take a blood test at each appointment. Your doctor will ask how you are feeling and make sure you don’t have any new symptoms. They will also ask about any side effects you may have from your treatment. You probably won't have routine scans or X-rays. But if you or your doctor are worried about any signs or symptoms, your doctor will arrange any necessary tests.

Let your doctor or nurse know straight away if you are worried, or notice any new symptoms between appointments. You don't have to wait until the next appointment. Your doctor would rather know if there is something worrying you.

Your doctor or nurse should give you some guidance about which symptoms to look out for if you are on treatment. They will tell you who to contact if you have any problems or worries.

Many people worry about going for their check ups. If you are well and getting on with your life, it can bring back all the worry about your leukaemia. You may find it helpful to tell someone close to you how you are feeling. Sharing your concerns can help.

Some people find it quite reassuring to go back for check ups. Acute leukaemia treatment is tough. You are often in hospital for months. Being away from the hospital can make you quite nervous at first. So it can be reassuring to go back and make sure everything is still OK.

It is quite common for people to have counselling after leukaemia treatment. If you would like to talk to someone outside your family and friends, look in our help and support section at the acute leukaemia organisations page for organisations that can put you in touch with counselling services and support groups.