mum of newly diagnosed leukaemia

Hi, my daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia 2weeks ago totally out of the blue, no signs or symptoms, found when she had a random blood test for something else, so she has been told it’s very early stages, but that doesn’t make it any easier as the treatment is exactly the same. She turned 30 yesterday and has a 5 month old baby daughter. She has had her first weeks chemo treatment this last week and feels generally wiped out. She’s obviously feeling scared that if she feels like this now, what is she going to be like when they ramp up the treatment in the second cycle. She has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia  - we’re both nurses, she is a child nurse and I’m an adult nurse, but doesn’t really help when it’s your own family- and we’re all positive in the outlook for her, I’m just looking for any tips, advice for her that maybe make life a bit easier for her as I know it’s going to be a challenge- do the symptoms last long? How did other people feel after first treatments? 

Thank you

  • Hi Jm30960

    Welcome to the forum although obviously we're sorry to read the news that has led you here. 

    How is your daughter feeling? I'm sure that having you to help and support is making things a lot easier for her. 

    I'm sure that some of the members here will post about about their experiences and share tips/advice on how they coped. Side effects can vary depending on the type of chemo but we do have some information on our website about side effects of chemotherapy and there are links within those sections for advice on coping. We also have a team of nurses here that you can call for support and information. They are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Sending our best wishes to you, your daughter and your family. 

    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator

  • Hi,

    thank you for your welcome, my daughter is just going into week 3 of her first cycle, she has her intrathecal chemo this week, she is starting to feel a bit wiped out now but we’re looking at it just in weeks, so just two weeks left then 2 weeks off before the next cycle. 

    She is on the UKALL14 protocol, he consultant is hoping she won’t need a transplant, has anyone had the protocol without the SCT? Her bloods are good so far but I’m afraid that that  won’t last, her daughter is only 5 months so they’re trying to do as much as possible as an outpatient at the moment. 

    Any advice, positive stories are welcome.

    thanks 

    j