I’m living with AML
You may feel many emotions heading home after AML treatment. However, remember that even if you are going home, you will still be under the care of your haematology team.
You are not alone
No matter how it might feel, please know that you are not alone. There are other people out there that have had, or are having, a similar experience.1 Reaching out to others in the same situation can be helpful. Ask your nurse for information on support groups local to you.
Will I be seeing my doctor?
There are many reasons why your haematology team will still routinely see you, such as:
1. TESTING
You will likely have regular blood tests and may need periodic bone marrow tests1 to check your blood count and monitor your AML.2
2. NON-CANCER TREATMENTS
You could need additional treatments, such as blood, platelet transfusions or preventative medicines.
3. ROUTINE CHECK-UPS
Your doctor will schedule out-patient appointments to monitor your progress after treatment.
If you have any concerns, remember that you can get in touch with your nurses. They understand that this can be a difficult transition, and they are there to support you.
Many hospitals also have a 24 hour hotline - remember to use it. If you have any symptoms that concern you, do not wait for your next appointment, contact your hospital immediately.
Five tips to transition from hospital to home
1. CREATE A ROUTINE
Try sticking to regular times to wake in the morning and sleep at night.
2. TAKE TIME TO REST
You may experience varying energy levels,3 so make sure you take a break when needed.
3. HEALTHY EATING
Attempt to eat three healthy, nutritious and well-balanced meals a day, to provide your body the adequate calories it needs.4,5
4. GET MOVING
Try incorporating some gentle exercise into your daily routine. This will help with fatigue and may even decrease anxiety levels.5,6 Why not try some exercises to get you moving.
5. CONNECT
When you are ready, start socialising with friends and family. Connecting with others can give happiness levels a significant boost.5,7
References
1. Leukaemia Care. Living Well with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. https://media.leukaemiacare.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Living-Well-with-Acute-Myeloid-Leukaemia-AML-Web-Version.pdf [Last accessed April 2022].
2. Cancer Research UK. Support at Home for you and your family. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/acute-myeloid-leukaemia-aml/living-with/support-home-for-you-your-family [Last accessed April 2022]
3. Blood Cancer UK. Blood Cancer and Fatigue. https://bloodcancer.org.uk/support-for-you/living-well/fatigue/ [Last accessed April 2022]
4. Arends J, Bachmann P, Baracos V, et al. ESPEN guidelines on nutrition in cancer patients. Clin Nutr 2017; 36: 11-48. 20160806.
5. Macmillan Cancer Support. After Cancer Treatment: A guide for professionals. https://www.macmillan.org.uk/documents/aboutus/health_professionals/professionals-guide-after-cancer-treatment.pdf [Last accessed April 2022]
6. Schuch FB and Stubbs B. The Role of Exercise in Preventing and Treating Depression. Curr Sports Med Rep 2019; 18: 299-304.
7. Diener E and Seligman ME. Very happy people. Psychol Sci 2002; 13: 81-84.
Website created and funded by Astellas. Developed and reviewed in close collaboration with healthcare professionals and AML patient organisations.
Caring for someone living with AML
Caring for someone with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, or AML, can be physically and emotionally challenging. There is lots of support available, but it can be hard to know where to start. Why not begin by working through these helpful links:
HAE_2022_0034_IE | April 2022