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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
One of the hardest things to cope with can be the feeling that the leukaemia or its treatment has taken over your life and that you have lost control. Many people feel this way, but over time they usually find things to do that can help them cope.
You’ll have good and bad days, and it’s important for you and your family to realise this. For some people it’s important to try to live life as normally as possible. Staying in contact with friends and trying to carry on with your usual activities can reassure you that it’s still your decisions that shape your life.
A diagnosis of leukaemia may help some people decide on new priorities in their lives. This may mean spending more time with family, going on a holiday that has long been dreamed of, or taking up a new hobby. Just thinking about these things and making plans can help you realise that you still have choices.
Understanding the leukaemia and its treatment helps many people to cope. It helps you discuss plans for treatment, tests and check-ups with your doctors and nurses, and means you can play a part in the decisions that are made. Being involved in these choices builds confidence and can help give you control.
Some people may decide to improve their general health by eating a more healthy diet| or by getting fitter. Finding a complementary therapy which helps you to relax can be a positive way of managing some of the symptoms of your illness.
We have information about cancer and complementary therapies| which might be helpful to you.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.