Supportive Care
Leukemia and its treatment can lead to other health
problems. You can have supportive care before, during,
or after cancer treatment.
Supportive care is treatment to prevent or fight
infections, to control pain and other symptoms, to
relieve the side effects of therapy, and to help you cope
with the feelings that a diagnosis of cancer can bring.
You may receive supportive care to prevent or control
these problems and to improve your comfort and
quality of life during treatment.
- Infections: Because people with leukemia get
infections very easily, you may receive antibiotics
and other drugs. Some people receive vaccines
against the flu and pneumonia. The health care team
may advise you to stay away from crowds and from
people with colds and other contagious diseases. If
an infection develops, it can be serious and should
be treated promptly. You may need to stay in the
hospital for treatment.
- Anemia and bleeding: Anemia and bleeding are
other problems that often require supportive care.
You may need a transfusion of red blood cells or
platelets. Transfusions help treat anemia and reduce
the risk of serious bleeding.
- Dental problems: Leukemia and chemotherapy can
make the mouth sensitive, easily infected, and likely
to bleed. Doctors often advise patients to have a
complete dental exam and, if possible, undergo
needed dental care before chemotherapy begins.
Dentists show patients how to keep their mouth
clean and healthy during treatment.
You can get information about supportive care on
NCI's Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/coping and from NCI's Cancer Information
Service at 1-800-4-CANCER or
LiveHelp
(http://www.cancer.gov/help).
< Previous Section | Next Section > |