What is Leukemia?
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, usually the bone marrow. It causes the body to produce large numbers of abnormal white blood cells, which interfere with normal blood cell production.
Types of Leukemia
-
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
-
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
-
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
-
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
Common Symptoms
- Fatigue and weakness
- Frequent infections
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Bone pain
- Fever or night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
Diagnosis Process
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Genetic testing
- Imaging studies
Treatment Options
Standard Treatments
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Stem cell transplantation
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
Supporting Treatments
- Blood transfusions
- Antibiotics for infections
- Anti-nausea medications
- Pain management
Managing Side Effects
- Follow medication schedules carefully
- Maintain good nutrition
- Get adequate rest
- Practice infection prevention
- Stay physically active as appropriate
Support Resources
- Support groups
- Financial assistance programs
- Transportation services
- Home care services
When to Contact Your Healthcare Team
Seek immediate care if you experience:
- Fever above 100.4°F (38°C)
- Severe bleeding
- Extreme weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe pain
Follow-up Care
- Keep all scheduled appointments
- Maintain a symptom diary
- Track medication side effects
- Update your care team on any changes
Living with Leukemia
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Build a strong support network
- Consider counseling if needed
- Stay informed about your condition
This guide is for informational purposes and should be used in conjunction with your healthcare provider's advice.