As a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), there are certain lifestyle considerations before, during, and after treatment that may enhance your well-being.
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As you undergo treatment for CLL, you may experience side effects. When chemotherapies kill cancer cells, they can also affect healthy blood cells. Some of the most common side effects occur when the number of healthy cells is reduced. Ask your healthcare professional to discuss with you the risk of possible side effects from your CLL treatment.
Click here for more information from the National Cancer Institute about coping with treatment side effects.
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Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms experienced by cancer patients. People with fatigue may say they feel tired, weak, exhausted, worn-out, slowed down, or heavy. Causes of fatigue may be biological, psychological, and behavioral. You may feel fatigue because of the cancer itself, treatments you’re receiving, nutritional deficits, or anxiety and depression.
Talk to your healthcare professional about these and other possible ways to manage fatigue:
- Get enough rest and sleep, but remember:
- Too much rest can make you feel weaker
- Try short naps (1 hour) instead of long ones
- Stay as active as possible
- Exercise regularly, for example, by walking several times a week
- Talk to your healthcare professional before starting an exercise program
- Do gentle stretching exercises and isometrics
- Manage your energy levels
- Schedule activities when you have the most energy, and rest between them
- At home or work, take on only what you can manage; let others help
- Stay positive
- Picture yourself doing something you love
- Say to yourself, "I can create the energy I need"
- Learn relaxation techniques to slow your heart rate and calm your mind
Click here for more information from the National Cancer Institute about fatigue during cancer treatment.
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People living with CLL may experience pain caused by the cancer itself, or by treatments. There are two types of pain—acute and chronic. Acute pain is severe and lasts for a short period of time. Chronic pain is severe or mild and lasts over a long period of time. If pain continues without treatment, it often leads to irritation, depression, and lack of energy. It is important to talk to your healthcare professional about ways you can control your pain.
Click here for more information from the National Cancer Institute about pain during cancer treatment.
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During treatment, it is important that you do your best to avoid infections. Here are some helpful tips:
- Talk to your healthcare professional about flu shots for you and your family prior to treatment
- Call your healthcare professional at the first sign or symptom of infection
- Use a thermometer if you think you have a fever, and call your healthcare professional if you do
- Talk to your healthcare professional about how to avoid any immunization with live viral vaccines, such as a flu nasal mist
- Wash your hands often
- Keep your body clean, especially your feet, groin, and armpits
- Avoid people with coughs, colds, or other infections
- Avoid large crowds
- Clean cuts or scrapes right away with soap and warm water
- Use an electric shaver instead of a razor, and don’t share it
- Avoid having manicures, pedicures, false nails, and nail tips
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
- Avoid unpasteurized milk, cheeses, or yogurt
- Make sure meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are thoroughly cooked
- Thaw meat in the refrigerator
- Avoid gardening
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Good nutrition can help maintain your weight and fight infection. According to the National Cancer Institute, there is no evidence that any particular diet can either cure cancer or prevent relapse. A good rule of thumb is to eat a variety of healthy foods on a daily basis. Your diet should include quality protein (fish, low-fat meat, eggs, and tofu). You should also eat more foods with iron, such as meats, leafy greens, and iron-fortified grains and cereals. Talk to your healthcare professional about speaking to a dietitian or nutritionist about your diet.
Click here for more information from the National Cancer Institute about nutrition before, during, and after treatment.
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