Proper Nutrition During Leukemia Treatment
Patients need to eat well during treatment. Good nutrition often helps people with cancer feel better and have more energy. However, eating well can be difficult. People with cancer may not feel like eating if they are uncomfortable or tired. Side effects of
treatments for leukemia can result in:
- Poor appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting.
Treatment for leukemia may also cause food to taste different. The doctor, dietitian, or other healthcare provider can suggest ways to maintain a healthy diet during treatment.
Clinical Trials of New Treatments
Before starting leukemia treatment, patients may want to consider taking part in a clinical trial. A treatment clinical trial is a
leukemia research study that is meant to help improve current treatments or obtain information on new treatments for patients with leukemia. When clinical trials show that a new leukemia treatment is better than the standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard treatment.
Follow-Up Care After Leukemia Treatment
Follow-up care after treating leukemia is an important part of the overall treatment plan. Regular checkups ensure that any changes in health are noted and that problems can be found and treated as soon as possible. Checkups may include:
- A careful physical exam
- Blood tests
- X-rays
- Bone marrow aspiration
- Spinal tap.
The doctor can explain the follow-up plan, which will include how often the patient must visit the doctor and what tests will be needed.
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