Treatment

Oncologists and hematologists are specialists who treat persons with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative diseases. Pediatric hematologist oncologists treat children, adolescents and some young adults who have blood cancers. The oncologist or hematologist-oncologist coordinates a treatment and follow-up plan that involves other doctors as well as nurses, social workers, case m...

Taking an active role in making decisions regarding your treatment can have a positive effect on your health and quality of life. One of your first choices as an active participant in your care is to either select a specialist to manage your treatment or to choose a treatment center. You may be seeking a blood cancer specialist or a treatment center because you: Are currently having ...

Communication with your specialist and the team coordinating your care is very important. Tell your doctor how much you want to know about your diagnosis, treatment options and test results so you can function together as a team. Some people want to know every detail. Others want to know only the basics and trust their doctor to choose the most appropriate treatment. Here are some suggestions that can help you get...

Understanding your diagnosis will help you make informed decisions about your treatment, and give you a greater understanding of the scientific advances in blood cancer treatment and improvements in quality of life for survivors. Knowing about normal blood and marrow and the lymphatic system can also help you better understand your diagnosis.  ...

Doctors use several different lab and imaging tests to help detect (diagnose) a blood cancer (leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes or myeloproliferative disease). You may need to undergo additional tests to confirm your diagnosis. Once your diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor may need to test you for certain genetic, cellular or molecular characteristics that will help him or her treat your speci...

Adults living with blood cancer must make decisions about treatment, family, work or school and finances. If your child has been diagnosed, you must make similar decisions for your son or daughter. Gathering Information and Support You'll need to choose: The oncology practice, hospital or center where your treatment will take place The specialist who will develop and coordinate the treatment plan The ...

The factors that will determine your treatment regimen may include: The type of blood cancer Your disease's subtype, phase, category and/or stage Your cytogenetic analysis results Your overall health Your symptoms Your white cell count The cancer cells' location Your rate of disease progression Whether you've had cancer in the past and subsequent chemotherapy to treat it Whether you've ha...

Work closely with your doctor and cancer care team to prepare yourself with information about what to expect and how to cope with side effects.  For some patients, side effects may last well after treatment is completed or may be permanent. For most patients, side effects are temporary and go away when the body adjusts to therapy or once treatment ends. On the other hand, some patients suffer symptoms that ...

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends seasonal influenza (flu) shots for cancer patients and survivors and anyone who has contact with a cancer patient. To be safe, however, check with your doctor first before getting a flu shot or any other vaccination. Cancer patients and survivors should get the flu shot, not the nasal mist form of the flu vaccine. Shots are safe for peo...

IM combines standard medicine (such as surgery, chemotherapy, drug therapy and radiation therapy) with safe and effective complementary therapies. Complementary therapies don’t replace your cancer treatment or care; they supplement your care by boosting well-being without interfering with standard treatments. Examples of complementary therapies are therapeutic massage, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, art t...

After you're in remission or your disease is under control, regular follow-up care is critically important. You'll need to visit your doctor for regular follow-up care. He or she monitors your health and looks for signs that you may need more treatment. Your doctor will also speak with you about monitoring for long-term effects or late effects.   The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)...