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Psychology, family and everyday life

Living with the illness: a new daily rhythm

Leukemia sometimes needs months, sometimes years, of treatment and follow-up. Life does not stop, but it needs a new rhythm. This section explains how to fit daily life around the illness.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A person writing in an open planner at a desk
Figure 1.A simple weekly plan sets a daily rhythm

01Short answer

Plan your energy: put important tasks in the hours when you feel strongest and rest between them. Move as much as you can; walking reduces fatigue. Keep a calendar of tests and medicines. Stay connected with favourite activities and people. Widen your activities as your blood counts allow (“A day map from your blood counts: three zones”). For work, study and relationships see “Work: during treatment and after” and “Relationships and intimacy: closeness continues”. With chronic leukemia, regular monitoring and a steady medicine routine are the foundation.

02Simple explanation

Plan your energy.

Move.

Keep a calendar.

Keep connections.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: adjusting to illness takes time; routine, physical activity and social support improve quality of life.

NCI: most people facing cancer feel anxiety, sadness or anger; support and treatment improve quality of life.

04What happens in the body?

Fatigue

Cancer fatigue does not fully go away with sleep; adjust your pace.

Chronic leukemia

Taking long-term medicine consistently is important.

Psycho-oncology

The field of medicine focused on the emotional needs of people with cancer.

Small steps

Breathing, movement, sleep and talking, a little each day.

05Support: four steps

Feel it, name it, share it, get help.

Feel — Allow your feelings.1FeelAllow your feelings.
Name — Say what you feel.2NameSay what you feel.
Share — Talk to someone close.3ShareTalk to someone close.
Get help — Reach out to a specialist.4Get helpReach out to a specialist.
AttentionListen to yourself.
ConnectionYou are not alone.
SupportA specialist is there.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
FatigueCancer fatigue does not fully go away with sleep; adjust your pace.
Chronic leukemiaTaking long-term medicine consistently is important.
Psycho-oncologyThe field of medicine focused on the emotional needs of people with cancer.
Small stepsBreathing, movement, sleep and talking, a little each day.

07Key terms

Pacing
Spreading energy across the day.
Remission
The disappearance of signs of disease.
Psychologist
A specialist in emotional support.
Distress
Emotional strain linked to illness.

08Key points

  • Plan.
  • Move.
  • Stay connected.
  • Feelings are normal.
  • Ask for support.

09Frequently asked questions

Will I get back to normal life?

Many people do; the pace is individual.

Can I travel?

Plan it with your team.

Does seeing a psychologist mean I am "crazy"?

No. It is looking after yourself in a hard situation.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Will I get back to normal life?

  2. Can I travel?

  3. Does seeing a psychologist mean I am "crazy"?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Fatigue and Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Feelings and Cancer
  3. National Cancer Institute. Adjusting to Cancer
  4. National Cancer Institute. Support for Caregivers
  5. World Health Organization. Mental health: strengthening our response
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Support for Families: Childhood Cancer
  7. American Cancer Society. Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer
  8. Macmillan Cancer Support. Talking to children and teenagers
  9. BMJ, 2000. Telling children about a parent’s cancer
  10. European Journal of Cancer Care, 2020. How psychosocial interventions meet the needs of children of parents with cancer: A review and critical evaluation
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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