Lifestyle issues for APL patients
As a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), there are several lifestyle issues you
may encounter — before, during, and after treatment.
Click on the links below for helpful information about the following lifestyle issues:
Physical concerns
Side effects of treatment
As you undergo treatment for APL, you may experience side effects. It is important to talk to
your doctor about any symptoms you develop, even if they seem unrelated to APL or your treatment.
Some common side effects of cancer treatment may include:
Again, be sure to talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience.
>> Click here for more information from the
National Cancer Institute about coping with treatment side effects.
Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms experienced by cancer patients. A study by the
Fatigue Coalition found that while the majority of patients experience fatigue, it is one
of the most overlooked and undertreated side effects of cancer. Fatigue is complex, and
has biological, psychological, and behavioral causes. It may be caused by the disease
itself, treatments, medications, pain, nutritional deficits, anxiety and depression. Fatigue
is difficult to describe and people with cancer may express it in different ways, such as
saying they feel tired, weak, exhausted, weary, worn-out, heavy, or slow. If those words
describe how you feel as you undergo treatment for APL, know that you are not alone.
>> Click here for more information from the
National Cancer Institute about fatigue during cancer treatment.
Pain
People living with APL may experience pain caused by the cancer itself, or by treatments.
Pain may be acute (severe and lasting for a short period of time) or chronic (severe or
mild over a long period of time). If pain continues without treatment, it often leads to
irritation, depression, and a lack of energy. It is important to know that you do not
have to live in pain and your medical team can help control your pain.
>> Click here for more
information from the National Cancer Institute about pain during cancer treatment.
Diet and exercise
Good nutrition is always vital for your body. This is especially true during cancer treatment.
It is important to remember, however, that according to the National Cancer Institute,
there is no evidence that any specific type of diet or food alone can either cure cancer or
keep it from coming back. A good approach is to eat a variety of healthful foods every day.
Ask your doctor, nurse, or registered dietician before changing your diet or taking any
vitamin or mineral supplements. Your healthcare team can help you create an eating plan that
is best for you.
>> Click here for
more information from the National Cancer Institute about nutrition before, during, and after treatment.
Emotional concerns
Many patients confronting cancer ponder what is really important in life, relationships,
spirituality and future direction. It is common to feel anxiety, depression, or fear as
you face APL. Again, as with the experience of physical symptoms and side effects, you
are not alone.
Coping with anxiety and depression
First of all, it is important to know that anxiety and depression are normal reactions to
cancer. Being diagnosed with APL and undergoing treatment can be challenging both physically
and emotionally.
Anxiety: You may experience anxiety while undergoing a cancer screening test, waiting
for test results, receiving a diagnosis, undergoing treatment, or anticipating a relapse.
Anxiety associated with cancer may increase feelings of pain, interfere with one's ability
to sleep, cause nausea and vomiting, and interfere with quality of life. Most patients are
able to reduce their anxiety by learning more about their cancer and the treatment they can
expect to receive. On this site, for example, you can learn
about APL, its
causes, the
signs
and symptoms,
diagnosis and testing procedures,
treatments, and
lifestyle issues.
>> Click here for
more information from the National Cancer Institute about coping with anxiety.
Depression: Depression, like anxiety, can also interfere with your quality of life. Important
issues in the life of any person with cancer that may trigger depression include: fear of death,
interruption of life plans, changes in body image and self-esteem, changes in social role and
lifestyle, and money and legal concerns. Signs of depression may include sleeping more or less than
usual, lack of energy, crying or tearfulness, and an inability to concentrate. Help is available to
you if you are experiencing symptoms of depression. You may wish to discuss how you’re feeling with
your medical team.
>> Click here for
more information from the National Cancer Institute about coping with depression.
Relationship issues
Your relationships with friends, family, and significant others may change as a result of your
diagnosis. Some relationships may become strained as a result of your diagnosis, while others may
become stronger. You might also find some of your own interests and desires changing as a result
of your diagnosis and/or treatment, which can have an effect on your relationships. Furthermore,
some patients would prefer not to talk about their diagnosis and/or treatment(s), while others
relish the opportunity to have someone to talk to about their unique experience. Keeping the
lines of communication open with those in your life can be beneficial to everyone involved.
There are a variety of ways to let your loved ones know how you would prefer to handle your
diagnosis and treatment, whether that is talking to them in person, over the phone, or even
writing a letter or e-mail to them.
>> Click here for
more information about dealing with changing family roles as you confront your APL.
>> Click here for
helpful suggestions for sharing your feelings about cancer with your loved ones.
Financial concerns
Many APL patients face financial hardships as a result of their diagnosis and treatments. There
are many resources available that can potentially assist you in meeting your financial needs at
any point following diagnosis. These resources include: health insurance, government programs,
disability benefits, services furnished by voluntary organizations, and living benefits from
life insurance policies. If you have no medical insurance, other options are also available for you.
>> Click here for
comprehensive information from the American Cancer Society about insurance and financial assistance.
Reimbursement assistance
Reimbursement assistance and support is available through a program called CORE (Cephalon
Oncology Reimbursement Expertise). CORE information resources can be accessed online or with
personalized support via a toll-free hotline. Both CORE resources are designed to help clarify
the issues and facilitate the processes involved when submitting reimbursement claims for
Cephalon Oncology products like TRISENOX
® (arsenic trioxide) injection, a treatment option for
APL patients whose cancer returns or does not respond to initial therapy.
CORE Hotline: Phone: 1-866-261-7730
Fax: 1-888-891-4924
>> Click here to
visit the CORE website at www.CephalonOncologyCORE.com.