What to expect from chemotherapy for leukaemia

Leukaemia treatment may begin promptly and can include periods in hospital, outpatient infusions, tablets or a combination. Your haematology team will explain the medicines, treatment phases and tests used to track blood counts, kidney function and liver function. A central line may be recommended when repeated intravenous treatment or blood products are expected.

Because chemotherapy affects rapidly dividing cells, it can temporarily lower infection-fighting cells, red cells and platelets. Fatigue, nausea, mouth soreness, appetite changes and hair loss are possible. The team may provide transfusions, antibiotics or other supportive medicines while the blood counts recover.

Keep your temperature-check instructions and emergency contact details where you can find them. Take medicines exactly as prescribed, practise careful hand hygiene and follow advice about visitors, food and activities. Drink and eat as tolerated, use gentle mouth care, and tell the team about bleeding, new pain or changes in urine. Do not take aspirin, supplements or over-the-counter medicines without advice.

Call your haematology team immediately for fever, chills, a new cough, sore throat, burning urine, diarrhoea, uncontrolled vomiting, unusual bruising or bleeding, or a central-line problem. Use emergency services for severe breathlessness, chest pain, collapse, confusion or bleeding that will not stop.

Which type of leukaemia is being treated, and what are the treatment phases? How long might I need hospital care? When should I check my temperature? What support is available for fertility, work and emotional health? Will I need a central line, transfusions or preventive medicines?