Leukemia Cancer Treatments
Leukemia is a cancer that attacks your bone marrow and blood. Leukemia develops within you white blood cells. When you have an infection within your body, it is your white blood cells that fight the infection. Normally, your white blood cells grow and divide when you need them. However, according to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, leukemia develops due to an uncontrolled accumulation of your blood cells. The accumulation of these blood cells then function uncontrollably. Leukemia can be difficult to treat because the disease doesn't create tumors that can be removed with surgery. Treatments can vary depending on the type of leukemia, how old you are and whether the cancer has spread to other locations within the body.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a standard form of treatment in the fight against cancer. Chemotherapy helps to kill any cancer cells within your body. The therapy can be taken either by pill or through an IV (through your vein). According to the Mayo Clinic, with chemotherapy, treatment can either be with a single drug or through a cocktail of drugs.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is used to kill or stop the growth of leukemia cells. Radiation therapy uses either X-rays, or high-energy rays to damage the cells. The radiation can be aimed at one specific site in your body, where they may be many leukemia cells. Radiation can also be aimed at your entire body to eradicate the leukemia cells.
Bone Marrow Therapy
According to the Mayo Clinic, with bone marrow therapy, bone marrow is either extracted from you while you're in remission (to be used in case the leukemia returns) or from a donor. With the initial treatment, high doses of chemotherapy or radiation is used to kill any leukemia producing bone marrow. The healthy marrow is then transplanted back into your body.
Stem Cell
Stem cell transplantation is very much like a bone marrow transplant. However, cells are retrieved from the stem cells that flow within your bloodstream, instead of the marrow. The cells can be taken from your own cells (usually after a course of chemotherapy to kill leukemia cells) or from a donor. According to the Mayo Clinic, many leukemia patients opt for a stem cell transplant due to the lessened recovery time, and the decreased risk of infection.
Finding Support
Leukemia is a difficult cancer to cope with. Try to keep optimistic and keep informed with your doctor to know what your best treatment options are, and what types of side effects such treatments will include. Surround yourself with a strong group of loved ones, such as family and friends. Involve yourself with a support group, which can get you in touch with people who are experiencing the same issues you may be going through. Online sites such as, The Cancer Treatment Centers of America offers a chat line, a way for you to read about the stories of leukemia survivors and also offers more information on the disease.
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