Looking after yourself
Living with a leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma or related blood disorder takes its toll on the mind, not just the body. Stress levels can be extremely high and it is normal to experience a range of intense, overwhelming emotions which can have a negative effect on your sense of well-being. With time, help and a great deal of support you can learn to cope with your situation in an effective and positive way. That involves making deliberate decisions about looking after your emotional, as well as your physical, well-being.
Sharing the load
It is important that you can talk to someone you trust or feel comfortable with about how you are really feeling. This might be a friend or relative or it might be your doctor or nurse. Many people benefit from the support and guidance given by counsellors, psychologists, or the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation Support Services Co-ordinators. They can help identify healthy coping strategies to use during the difficult times. To contact them, click here.
Nutrition
Eating well is particularly important when you are coping with the extra physical and mental demands of cancer and cancer treatments. However, it can be difficult to ensure your diet provides you with the energy and nutrients needed when you may not feel like eating as much, or as well, as you used to. Patients whose treatments have left them with low immunity need to be particularly aware of food safety. The Leukaemia & Blood Foundation's small lending library contains several books on nutrition. If you would like to find out more, please email lbf@leukaemia.org.nz.
Your doctor or nurse will advise you on how to care for yourself while you are receiving treatment, what to expect and how to cope with any side-effects that may occur. They may also be able to provide you with some very useful written information. It is important that you report any side-effects you are experiencing immediately because many of them can be treated successfully if detected early, reducing unnecessary discomfort.
Coping with treatment
Treatment can be exhausting and it is common to feel tired and worn out for weeks, and even months, after it has finished. It is important to report how you are feeling to your doctor or nurse who may have some helpful suggestions. If your symptoms are due to severe anaemia, a blood transfusion may give you more energy. Incorporating a sensible balance of relaxation and exercise in your daily routine may increase your sense of well-being and control. Getting out into the fresh air and, where possible, doing some regular gentle exercise is important for your general health and it may also give you more energy.
If you haven't already done so, you might think about learning some relaxation techniques such as meditation and visual imagery. These can be very useful coping mechanisms and help you to gain a sense of control. Ask your doctor, nurse or social worker about any relaxation programs which may be run at the hospital. Alternatively, they will be able to direct you towards useful resources.
It is likely that treatment will have an impact on your physical appearance. Hair loss may be the first outward sign that you have cancer. It can be very difficult to deal with the physical changes you are experiencing and these may impact on your feelings of attractiveness, or how you feel about yourself as a woman or a man. Remember, you are still the same person on the inside. Over time your physical appearance will improve when the treatment finishes and you will not 'look like a patient' forever. In the meantime, it is important to do things that make you feel good about yourself, such as socialising with friends.