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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.

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.

Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (C-ALL)

ALL is the most common type of childhood leukaemia, with about 450 to 500 new cases diagnosed in the UK each year.

Read More

Take a Moment to Catch Up

View our latest news and blog articles

October 31st

Patient Perspective – Getting ready for winter

As the nights creep in, and with them the cold, our patient blogger Vickie is sharing her tips on keeping warm, and looking at why it’s important blood cancer patients take precautions for the cold weather....

October 29th

World Stroke Day

One of the causes of stroke on which there has been little focus is stroke associated with leukaemia. This year, the World Stroke Organisation's campaign is focussing on stroke prevention. Therefore, the more that is known about strokes in patients with leukaemia, the greater the opportunities for preventing them. Learn more in our in-depth article from our Patient Information Writer, Isabelle Leach...

October 25th

Being a parent with blood cancer

A blood cancer diagnosis is likely to be a shock not just for you, but your family too, especially if you have children. In this article, our Nurse Advisor, Fiona Heath, gives her tips on explaining blood cancer to your children, and how you can cope with any potential changes in routine....