Why track
To monitor CML symptoms and side effects over time, which can change
To monitor how you are feeling (CML can affect your emotional health)
To feel more prepared and organized (CML comes with a lot of uncertainty)
Benefits of tracking
Helps you see patterns that you may not have noticed
Helps you learn more about how CML is affecting you and your mood
Helps you keep the information in one place for easy reference and not having to remember every detail
What should I track?
What you track will depend on your situation.
It will depend on the symptoms and side effects you are having.
When thinking about what to track, a good place to start is to ask yourself:
“What does a good day look like?” “What does a bad day look like?”
You can record each symptom you experience (eg, weakness, excessive tiredness) and how strongly you feel each symptom (intensity)
You can also record how much each symptom affects your day-to-day life (intensity and quality of life)
Your emotional health
Your test results
You can also record how much each emotion affects your day-to-day life (quality of life)
You can record your BCR-ABL1 results using test results tracking tool
You can record what emotions you are feeling (eg, worry, anger, relief), how strongly you feel each emotion (intensity) and the impact on your day-to-day life. By tracking most days, you can also see how long you are having these emotions
Share your voice. Talk to your doctor about what matters to you.
You and your doctor are partners in your care.
You come to this partnership with your experiences of living with CML.
Your doctors come with their clinical training and experience. Both perspectives are important, and both perspectives are needed
Helps you see patterns that you may not have noticed
Helps you learn more about how CML is affecting you and your mood
Helps you keep the information in one place for easy reference and not having to remember every detail
How to prepare for appointments with your doctor
When thinking about how to talk to your doctor, it can be helpful to identify the things you can do before, during, and after your appointment.
During your appointment
Share your experiences about living with CML. Everyone’s experience of living with CML is different. Your doctor wants to know about your experience.
Share any concerns. Your appointment is an opportunity to work with your doctor to find solutions to any concerns you may have.
After your appointment
Review what was discussed and resume tracking your symptoms and side effects to keep your doctor informed in your next visits.
