Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Care Instructions

Overview

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood cells. It happens when young white blood cells in the bone marrow don't mature like they should. Instead, they become leukemia cells. These leukemia cells can crowd out the healthy blood cells in your blood and bone marrow. And they can spread outside the blood to other parts of the body, such as the spleen.

The most common treatment for AML is chemotherapy. Some treatment plans may include a stem cell transplant and targeted therapy. You also may get medicines to help with some of the side effects of treatment, including nausea and tiredness.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Follow your doctor's instructions to relieve pain. Pain from cancer and surgery can almost always be controlled. Use pain medicine when you first notice pain, before it becomes severe.
• Eat healthy food. If you do not feel like eating, try to eat food that has protein and extra calories to keep up your strength and prevent weight loss.
• Get some physical activity every day, but do not get too tired.
• Get enough sleep, and take time to do things you enjoy. This can help reduce stress.
• Think about joining a support group. Or discuss your concerns with your doctor or a counselor.
• If you are vomiting or have diarrhea:
  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Choose water and other clear liquids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
  • When you are able to eat, try clear soups, mild foods, and liquids until all symptoms are gone for 12 to 48 hours. Other good choices include dry toast, crackers, cooked cereal, and gelatin dessert, such as Jell-O.
• If you have not already done so, prepare a list of advance directives. Advance directives are instructions to your doctor and family members about what kind of care you want if you become unable to speak or express yourself.