Overview

Leukemia is a type of cancer of the blood cells. It starts when cells in the bone marrow become leukemia cells. Over time, these cells crowd out the healthy blood cells in your blood, bone marrow, and other tissues. There are many different kinds of leukemia. The type of treatment you receive depends on the type of leukemia you have.

Leukemia is usually treated with medicines, such as chemotherapy. In some cases other treatments, such as radiation therapy or a stem cell transplant, may be needed. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are also used to treat leukemia. Your doctor will talk to you about what type of leukemia you have and what kinds of treatment may be best for you.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Follow your doctor's instructions to relieve pain. Pain from cancer and surgery can almost always be controlled. Use pain medicine when you first notice pain, before it becomes severe.
• Eat healthy food. If you do not feel like eating, try to eat food that has protein and extra calories to keep up your strength and prevent weight loss.
• Get some physical activity every day, but do not get too tired.
• Get enough sleep, and take time to do things you enjoy. This can help reduce stress.
• Think about joining a support group. Or discuss your concerns with your doctor or a counsellor.
• If you are vomiting or have diarrhea:
  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Choose water and other clear liquids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
  • When you are able to eat, try clear soups, mild foods, and liquids until all symptoms are gone for 12 to 48 hours. Other good choices include dry toast, crackers, cooked cereal, and gelatin dessert, such as Jell-O.
• If you have not already done so, prepare an advance care plan. An advance care plan provides instructions to your doctor and family members about what kind of care you want if you become unable to speak or express yourself.