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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffOver the past several decades, doctors have made good progress in treating people with acute myelogenous leukemia, and research continues. But that doesn't necessarily make the diagnosis any less scary.
Acute myelogenous leukemia is an aggressive form of cancer that typically demands quick decision making. That leaves people with a brand-new diagnosis scrambling to make hasty choices about a disease that they can barely pronounce — let alone understand. Here are some tips for coping:
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Get down to particulars. The term "leukemia" can be confusing because it refers to a batch of cancers that aren't all that similar except for the fact that they affect the bone marrow and blood. You can waste a lot of time researching information that doesn't apply to your kind of leukemia. To avoid that, ask your doctor to write down as much information about your specific disease as possible. Then narrow your search for information accordingly.
Write down questions you want to ask your doctor before each appointment, and look for information in your local library and on the Internet. Good sources include the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
- Lean on family and friends. It can be tough to talk about your diagnosis, and you'll likely get a range of reactions when you share the news. But talking about your diagnosis can be helpful. So can the outpouring of practical help that often results.
- Take care of yourself. It's easy to get caught up in the tests, treatments and procedures of therapy. But it's important to take care of yourself, not just the cancer. Try to make time for yoga, gardening, cooking or other favorite diversions.
