Emotional well-being

After treatment, most people feel relieved to be done and excited to return to their normal routine but worried about the uncertainty of their health. It can take weeks to months before the recovery feels real and a person gains confidence in his or her own health. However, it can be very challenging to live with the uncertainty that accompanies most forms of cancer.

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Although the road ahead may not be easy and is full of uncertainties, it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are many resources available to help, and here are some strategies to use them:

• Take an active role in your healthcare. Find out everything you can about the type, the stage, the treatment options, and their side effects. Although you may feel tired and discouraged, don't let others, including your family or your doctor, make important decisions for you. Talk with your doctor and seek out information from reliable sources.

• Maintain a strong support system. Don't be afraid to ask for help with coping with the issues, pain, or anxieties of leukemia. Support can come in many forms: family, friends, individual counselors, cancer support groups, church or spiritual groups, or online support communities. Although support groups aren't for everyone, they can be a good source for practical information. The concern and understanding of others coping with cancer can be especially helpful. You may also find you can develop deep and lasting bonds with people who are experiencing the same things you are.

• Stay active and set reasonable goals. Leukemia doesn't mean you need to stop doing the things you enjoy or normally participate in. Setting reasonable goals can help you maintain a sense of accomplishment and a sense of purpose in life. You may not be able to work or volunteer for 40 hours a week, for example, but you may be able to work or volunteer part time. Many people find professional or volunteer work integral to their sense of well-being and a positive mental attitude.

• Make healthful choices. Eating well, exercising regularly, relaxing and getting enough rest are fundamental for your physical and emotional well-being. Plan ahead for the downtimes when you may need to rest more or limit what you do to combat the stress and fatigue of leukemia. One of the best things you can do for your body is to develop healthful eating and exercise habits after treatment. This can be challenging because of side effects of treatment of leukemia, but you will be surprised at the long-term benefits of eating healthfully and exercising regularly.