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Living well with Leukaemia

It's important to look after yourself, your body and your mind following a diagnosis of a blood cancer.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, having treatment or recovering from blood cancer, you may feel as though you need support emotionally, practically and financially. There is support out there and lots of ways to look after yourself during this time.

The information on these pages provides practical tips on looking after you during and after your cancer treatment.

Survivorship

The aim of ‘picking up where one left off’ before the cancer diagnosis is a real challenge for many people. There is an expectation that completing active treatment will bring a sense of relief and optimism, however, many people describe feeling insecure, isolated, fearful and an overall sense of vulnerability during this time.

Support for the family

When somebody is diagnosed with a blood cancer, the whole family can be affected.

The flu jab

Influenza is a common infectious virus. It is often confused with a cold, but influenza, or flu, comes on quicker and makes you feel more unwell. Most healthy people recover from flu after a few days and don’t need to see their GP. However, some complications can arise from flu, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Fatigue

Fatigue is the most commonly reported side effect of leukaemia. Find out more about coping with fatigue.

Diet and Nutrition

Following a blood cancer diagnosis, diet and nutrition may not be the first thing that you want to think about. However eating a balanced diet is one of the best choices you can make for your overall health.

Exercise

Physical activity may not be at the top of your priorities following a diagnosis of blood cancer. However it can be an important part of your recovery after and during cancer treatment.

Employment

The following information is aimed at those who have been affected by a leukaemia diagnosis and the associated issues raised with employment

Appearance

Following a blood cancer diagnosis, you will have many questions. Some of these may relate to changes to your appearance during cancer treatment.

Financial issues

At the time of a blood cancer diagnosis, your first and main thought should be your wellbeing. But sometimes, financial issues can also be a worry and you may need help to cope with this.

Wellbeing

The physical and emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment can be very difficult to cope with. Some people find that using complementary therapies alongside conventional treatment can help them to manage their stress and anxiety before, during and after treatment.

Emotional Support

You may feel a mixture of emotions following a blood cancer diagnosis. We’re here to help you cope with the emotional impact of being diagnosed and living with a blood cancer.

In employment but don’t want to/can’t continue

This information is designed to help you explore your rights, whatever your decision might be. This article looks at the decision to leave work.

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Take a Moment to Catch Up

View our latest news and blog articles

June 21st

Patient Perspective – Blogging for good

Vickie began blogging for Leukaemia Care as a way to help others with blood cancer. Here, she talks about the benefits of blogging and giving back. ...

June 21st

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends the use of blinatumomab

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have recommended the use of blinatumomab for Philadelphia chromosome negative (Ph-ve), CD19 positive, B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), who have MRD of at least 0.1%. ...

June 20th

Diane Murray

Diane Murray has been volunteering for Leukaemia Care for over 25 years. In that time, she's raised over £50,000 for all those affected by blood cancer, and has been an invaluable source of support for patients. We chatted to Diane for #ThrowbackThursday, and here she talks about her time volunteering for Leukaemia Care...