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Psychology, family and everyday life

Long hospital stays: getting through the weeks

Induction treatment for acute leukemia or a transplant can mean weeks in hospital. That is a physical and emotional load. This section explains how to make a long stay easier.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A hospital bed beside a bright window
Figure 1.A long stay on the ward

01Short answer

Build a routine: get up, wash, get dressed (comfortable clothes rather than pyjamas), eat, walk and rest. If the team allows it, walk in the corridor; movement protects muscles and mood. Make the room a little "yours": photos, a book, a favourite pillowcase (within the rules, “Personal belongings: few, clean, wipeable”). Video calls with family. Write questions down and ask them on the ward round. Hygiene: hand washing, a daily shower, mouth care. Follow the infection-protection rules. Boredom and sadness are normal; ask for a psychologist.

02Simple explanation

A daily routine.

Walk with permission.

Make the room yours.

Hygiene every day.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: fatigue is very common during treatment; light physical activity that your team allows can help reduce it.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Sleep

Nap briefly in the day and protect night sleep; an eye mask and earplugs help.

Contact

Video calls reduce loneliness.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
SleepNap briefly in the day and protect night sleep; an eye mask and earplugs help.
ContactVideo calls reduce loneliness.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Induction
The first intensive phase of treatment.
Hospitalisation
Staying in hospital.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Routine.
  • Movement.
  • Contact.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Can family bring food from home?

Following the team's rules and food safety (“Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”).

Can I leave the room?

It depends on your blood counts; ask.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

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. Can family bring food from home?

  2. Can I leave the room?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Fatigue and Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  5. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjusting to Cancer
  7. World Health Organization. Mental health: strengthening our response
  8. Macmillan Cancer Support. Infection
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Taking Time: Support for People With Cancer
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Psychological Stress and Cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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