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.

Vaccines

For advice on vaccines and blood cancer in general, read our helpful article on why blood cancer patients need vaccinations.

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.

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.

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.

Travel

A holiday is usually a time of relaxation, but after a blood cancer diagnosis, you may find it harder to find a travel insurance company that will cover you. It can be difficult, but planning your trip more carefully can help you feel more relaxed, leaving time for you to enjoy your holiday.

Leukaemia Myths

There are many myths about leukaemia. Get yourself clued up with the following guide

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April 23rd

Cost of leukaemia – Tony Pullen on sick pay

Tony Pullen talks openly about how being diagnosed with hairy cell leukaemia (HCL) has impacted his financial stability. ...

April 11th

Approval for the first CAR-T treatment for ALL is renewed

CAR-T therapy, tisagenlecleucel, has been given long term approval to be used on the NHS in England, thanks to a decision made by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's (NICE). ...

March 11th

NEW oral treatment for AML patients approved in Scotland

Leukaemia Care are pleased to announce that newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patient with an IDH1 mutation who are ineligible for standard induction chemotherapy now have access to ivosidenib with azacitidine thanks to the decision made by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) today....