What is the main piece of advice you would give someone who is newly diagnosed with leukemia ?

[LCNurse]

Please comment and share your experiences to help others facing the same challenge.

[mikefergus]

Find a charity that gives valued advice based on their experience with leukaemia, (and other blood cancers); and listen to them.

[Leukaemia Care; Maggie's Cancer Caring Charities; etc]

mikefergus

[Marie_14]

Not to think it's the end! There are lots of new treatments now. Ask for a second opinion. Had we not done this my husband would have been dead by now. He has been in remission for 9 months because we went to a Centre of Excellence. Speak to people about it. Try to stay positive although at times it might be difficult. If you can, highlight the need for people to donate to charities there to help people in this situation.

[sportydad in reply to Marie_14]

Hi Maggie , can i ask where / who you went to for a second opinion. It's scary to think if you had not done this the situation would have been awful.

[sportydad in reply to sportydad]

Apologies Hi Marie

[frankmok]

Tell family and close friends about it - and once you've gotten over the initial shock of your diagnosis, convince yourself that there are many effective treatments available nowadays, and in all probability, life will go on - in many cases with few restrictions on your lifestyle.

Talk to others who have been diagnosed with the same type of leukaemia - use one of the forums out there on the internet.

[fieldmeadow]

Join a reputable online forum eg. HealthUnlocked and don't Google possible prognosis timelines that are often out of date due to newer available treatments.

Also, find a consultant who specialises in your disease - or at very least a haematologist with an interest in your particular disease. Patients from appropriate online forums can often recommend someone in your geographical area.

Try to improve diet and exercise if appropriate - but nothing too radical.

And remember that family/carers may also need some support.