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What You Need To Know About™ Leukemia
    Posted: 03/31/2003



Introduction






What Is Leukemia?






Normal Blood Cells






Leukemia Cells






Types of Leukemia






Leukemia: Who’s at Risk?






Symptoms






Diagnosis






Treatment






Getting a Second Opinion






Preparing for Treatment






Methods of Treatment






Chemotherapy






Biological Therapy






Radiation Therapy






Stem Cell Transplantation






Side Effects of Cancer Treatment






Chemotherapy






Biological Therapy







Radiation Therapy






Stem Cell Transplantation






Supportive Care






Nutrition






Followup Care






Support for People with Leukemia






The Promise of Cancer Research






National Cancer Institute Booklets






National Cancer Institute Information Resources



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Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy may cause patients to become very tired as treatment continues. Resting is important, but doctors usually advise patients to try to stay as active as they can. In addition, when patients receive radiation therapy, it is common for their skin to become red, dry, and tender in the treated area. Other side effects depend on the area of the body that is treated. If chemotherapy is given at the same time, the side effects may be worse. The doctor can suggest ways to ease these problems.

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