“Nothing is more frightening than the unknown”

Following a diagnosis of blood cancer, you probably have some frightening and unsettling thoughts and fears. After the numbness and shock that a diagnosis brings, particularly in young adults, comes a need to grasp a better understanding of your disease and its treatment. Your specialist doctor or haematology nurse will answer all your questions about your blood cancer. You can also talk to a support services co-ordinator at the Leukaemia Foundation. These people have experience in treating and caring for people with blood cancers. Ask questions until you understand this new language and information. Be mindful that it takes time to absorb new information, so having someone you trust and who will be with you throughout your treatment may help.

Remember, “Knowledge is power”

Although it may be overwhelming at first, the truth is unlikely to be as frightening as what you are imagining in your head. Be sure to get information from the experts themselves, because stories or theories from well meaning friends, work colleagues or relatives may only confuse you. Most importantly, remember that your experience and diagnosis is unique to you.

Browse disease-specific information and download information booklets on:

• Young Adults with a Blood Cancer
  
  
• Leukaemias
• Lymphomas
• Myeloma
  
• Related blood disorders
   including Myelodysplastic syndromes, Myeloproliferative disorders, Waldenstroms macroglobinaemia, Amyloidosis and Aplastic anaemia.
  

General information on living with these diseases is also provided. This includes topics such as the impact of diagnosis - how to tell others and dealing with the increased stress on families and relationships; coping with treatment; undergoing a transplant, providing support; looking after yourself; survivorship issues and grief. This information is designed to help you, your family and carers to understand and cope with the practical and emotional issues that come with living with one of these cancers or related disorders.

Educational DVDs are also available

A great new resource! A series of six disease specific DVDs for the use of health professionals, patients and their families are now available. Find out more...

Please always discuss the information you find on the internet, or any other source, with your doctors or health team as they know your individual case and situation.