Leukemia
Home Treatment
During treatment for any stage of leukemia, there are things you can do at home to help manage the side effects of leukemia or its treatment. Home treatment may be all that is needed to manage the following common problems. If your doctor has given you instructions or medicines to treat these symptoms, be sure to use them. Eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep and exercise may help you feel better.
- Home treatment for nausea or vomiting includes watching for and treating early signs of dehydration, such as having a dry mouth, sticky saliva, and reduced urine output with dark yellow urine, and feeling lightheaded when you stand up. Your doctor also may prescribe medicines to control nausea and vomiting. For more information on how to deal with these side effects, see:
- Home treatment for diarrhea includes resting your stomach and being alert for signs of dehydration. It is important to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Check with your doctor before using any over-the-counter drugs for diarrhea.
- Home treatment for constipation includes gentle exercise along with drinking enough fluids and eating a diet that is high in fiber. Check with your doctor before using a laxative. Ask your doctor whether there are any foods that you should avoid while you are receiving chemotherapy. Many people are told not to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and to eat only well-cooked meat. Bacteria on fresh fruits and vegetables are not always washed off easily. Bacteria that live inside meats are not always killed unless the meat is cooked well. When your immune system is weakened by leukemia treatment, you are more likely than other people to get sick from these bacteria.
- Home treatment for fatigue includes making sure you get extra rest while you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Let your symptoms guide you. You may be able to keep your usual routine and just get some extra sleep. Fatigue is often worse at the end of treatment or just after treatment is completed.
- Home treatment for sleep problems includes establishing a sleep routine that will let you get the rest you need.
- Eating well during treatment for leukemia includes making sure you get the nutrition you need to prevent weight loss and conserve your strength. You may find it helpful to talk with a registered dietitian (RD) to make sure you're eating a balanced diet during your treatment.
Dealing with your emotions
If you have recently been diagnosed with leukemia, you may have many different emotions. Most people feel some denial, anger, and grief. Some people may feel depressed or "blue." Other people may have fewer emotions. There is no "normal" or "right" way to react. There are many steps you can take to help with your emotional reaction to leukemia. Some people find that talking with family and friends helps. Other people find that spending time alone is what they need.
If your reaction is interfering with your ability to make decisions about your health, it is important to talk to your doctor. Your cancer treatment center may offer psychological or financial services. You may also contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society to help you find a support group. Talking with other people who may have had similar feelings can be very helpful.
There are other emotional issues you may face:
- The diagnosis of leukemia and the need for treatment can be very stressful. You may be able to reduce your stress by expressing your feelings to others. Learning relaxation techniques may also help you reduce your stress.
- Your feelings about your body may change. Adapting to your changed body image may involve talking openly about your concerns with your partner and discussing your feelings with your doctor. Your doctor may also be able to refer you to groups that can offer additional support and information.
- Hair loss. This is emotionally distressing for some people. Not all cancer drugs cause hair loss, and some people have only mild thinning that is noticeable only to them. Ask your doctor whether you should expect hair loss with the drugs you will receive.
If leukemia or its treatment causes pain, there are many ways to relieve it. If your doctor has given you instructions or medicines for pain, be sure to use them. Home treatment for pain, such as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, or an alternative therapy, such as biofeedback, may improve your physical and mental well-being. Be sure to discuss any home treatment with your doctor.
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| Author: | Bets Davis, MFA | Last Updated: November 26, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology | |
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