Coping With Leukemia
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What is Leukemia?
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood. It is caused by a mutation of cells in the bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue inside larger bones. Bone marrow produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The blood cells produced by bone marrow have a few different, very significant, jobs in the body. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body; white blood cells fight illness and disease; platelets help blood clot.
When leukemia occurs, the mutation of cells in bone marrow end up producing too many blood cells, or too few, which is extremely problematic and can cause many ill effects. Symptoms of leukemia include flu-like symptoms, unexplained bruising, easy bleeding, weakness and fatigue, bone or joint pain, swollen lymph glands, as well as other health conditions. While many advances have been made in cancer treatments, leukemia remains one of the most deadly forms of cancer.
How Do You Cope?
If you or someone you love is diagnosed with leukemia, it can be a very traumatic, trying time. While it can be a devastating time for you and your family, it is helpful to know that you are not alone. There are many people and resources available to help you cope.
One of the first steps you should take upon diagnosis of leukemia is to educate yourself. It is important to learn as much as you can about the kind of leukemia you or your loved one has been diagnosed with, information about the stage of cancer, as well as what sorts of treatment are available and what the effects of those treatments may be. In addition, it is important that you participate in your treatment and decisions about it. While you may be sick, or tired, or both, it is important that you maintain a proactive role in the decisions regarding your health.
It is also important that you maintain a strong support system. Some people may feel inclined to push loved ones away; however, the support of families, as well as groups, can be beneficial. With support, you can express your concerns, fears, and anxieties and receive encouragement to help you through this trying time.
It will also be beneficial to you to do what you can to maintain your health. There are many benefits to eating well, relaxing, and resting. In addition, if you can remain active and do things that you enjoy, you should do so. If you are capable, it is good to keep doing what you enjoy.
Coping with leukemia can be difficult, but there are resources and support groups available to help you. It is important to remain optimistic and retain hope as you deal with leukemia.
What Else Should You Know?
Leukemia is a cancer that can be attributed to a variety of factors, or materialize without any specific cause. However, there are instances in which leukemia can be linked to exposure to known carcinogens, such as benzene.
If you have worked at a job in which you have had long-term exposure to a known carcinogen, like benzine, you may want to seek the assistance of an attorney who specializes in these types of cases. There will be statutes of limitations for how much time you have to present a case, typically within a few years of diagnosis. Thus, it will be important to speak with a legal professional as soon as you can.
An attorney can review your case and determine whether or not you can file a lawsuit.
In the event that you do have a case and can pursue a lawsuit, the compensation awarded if you win can be applied toward your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and financial security in the event that you lose your battle.
Leukemia is a frightening disease. It is important to educate yourself as best you can, find resources that will help, and use them. With information and support from others, you will better be able to cope with and fight leukemia.
