Being diagnosed with leukemia is an emotional roller coaster. The disease will forever change you in various ways, and it can be a lot to process — too much for a single person.
That’s why you need to surround yourself with caring friends and family members for leukemia support. But you also must take steps yourself to foster your well-being to maintain the highest quality of life possible. Below, Spirit Self Health outlines a few practical tips for coping with a CLL or SLL diagnosis.
Make sure your home accommodates you.
If your living environment exacerbates your symptoms, one of the first things to do is to find out if you can make modifications that will help you live as comfortably as possible. And if your home will not accommodate your needs, you may need to consider finding a new one.
However, before purchasing a new home, you will need to ensure you have enough money for a decent down payment. Along with leaving you less money to pay back, a good down payment will give you more loan options and favorable terms. The more you pay down, the lower your monthly payments and interest rate will be.
Take care of your well-being.
It may sound obvious, but practicing self-care will go a long way in helping you maintain your quality of life. And it can be challenging to do when you have recently been diagnosed with leukemia. You are probably going to deal with periods of fatigue no matter what you do, but keeping prioritizing your mind, body, and soul will help you in that battle.
Make sure you are feeding your body the nutrients it needs, and limit the empty carbs, unhealthy fats, and other harmful foods in your diet. Also, make sure that you go to all your appointments, whether it’s to get transfusions, mouth care, pain control, or anything else. And find ways to alleviate stress and anxiety. Creating a solid exercise routine, meditating, and picking up a hobby can keep the stress down and give you something to look forward to.
Don’t be afraid to talk to a therapist.
Without question, a CLL or SLL diagnosis can take a toll on your mental health. Therapy can help you manage these emotions as you begin this journey, but getting to appointments may be a problem. With the help of the internet, you can easily connect with therapists and counselors using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. By using these online services, you can often find therapists who specialize in the type of mental health care or the leukemia support you’re seeking; for example, you could find someone who specializes in helping those who’ve received this type of medical diagnosis. When you begin exploring the costs of online therapy, find a service that works with the medical insurance you have, or accepts patients who don’t have insurance.
Keep up with your friends.
If you are like many people diagnosed with leukemia, you may have close friends that disappear from your life because they don’t know how to interact with you or help your situation. At the same time, you might notice new friends showing up, even those who have experienced cancer or know someone who has. Moreover, your family role could change. Whether you experience any or all of these circumstances, understand that communication is vital to maintaining your well-being and fighting your battle.
Understand that no one around you will likely know how to respond perfectly and give flawless advice. Try to be gracious and understanding without closing yourself off from communication. Make it a priority to spend time with the people you are closest to.
Assess your finances.
Finally, leukemia can be draining on your finances. While you may not be able to avoid all the stress that comes with your medical bills, even if you’re wealthy, the cost of treatments can quickly mount. Make sure to reach out to your insurance provider for any clarification you need about what they will and will not cover, and get any authorization necessary for treatments so that you can ensure you don’t end up facing a crippling medical bill.
Fortunately, you might have finance options for leukemia support. But you should prepare to spend time researching. Ask your doctor or someone else at your care center about any financial support available, and reach out to charities and organizations that specialize in helping families impacted by blood cancer.
It’s essential to stay in touch with loved ones and friends as you process your CLL or SLL diagnosis. Also, you will need to assess your home to ensure it provides the environment necessary for your journey. And along the way, be sure to foster your well-being and look into your options for financial support.
Author: Anya Willis
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