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.

Remembering Leukaemia Care in your Will

After providing for your family, a gift in your Will could help support Leukaemia Care provide services to ensure that anybody who has been affected by a leukaemia receives the right information and support.

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Take a Moment to Catch Up

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October 31st

October Fundraising: Highlighting our community

With spooky season in full effect, we want to share some of the fang-tastic fundraising you have done this October in support of those living with Leukaemia....

October 20th

Leukaemia Care successfully campaigns for nationwide access to new chronic lymphocytic leukaemia treatment

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) have announced the approval of zanubrutinib on the NHS for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in all nations of the UK....

October 9th

Leukaemia Care successfully campaigns for a new treatment for patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) in Scotland

Today, the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has announced the approval of maribavir (Livtencity), a new medicine for adults with a post-transplant CMV infection that is resistant to current treatments. ...