Leukemia (cont.)
Second Opinion
Before starting treatment, you might want a second opinion about your
diagnosis and treatment plan. Some people worry that the doctor will be
offended if they ask for a second opinion. Usually the opposite is true.
Most doctors welcome a second opinion. And many health insurance companies
will pay for a second opinion if you or your doctor requests it.
If you get a second opinion, the doctor may agree with your first doctor's
diagnosis and treatment plan. Or the second doctor may suggest another approach.
Either way, you have more information and perhaps a greater sense of control.
You can feel more confident about the decisions you make, knowing that you've
looked at your options.
It may take some time and effort to gather your medical records and see
another doctor. In most cases, it's not a problem to take several weeks to get a
second opinion. The delay in starting treatment usually won't make treatment
less effective. To make sure, you should discuss this delay with your doctor.
Some people with leukemia need treatment right away.
There are many ways to find a doctor for a second opinion. You can ask your
doctor, a local or state medical society, a nearby hospital, or a medical school
for names of specialists. NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER can
tell you about nearby treatment centers.
Nonprofit groups with an interest in leukemia may be of help.
Supportive Care
Leukemia and its treatment can lead to other health problems. You can have
supportive care before, during, or after cancer treatment.
Supportive care is treatment to prevent or fight infections, to control pain
and other symptoms, to relieve the side effects of therapy, and to help you cope
with the feelings that a diagnosis of cancer can bring. You may receive
supportive care to prevent or control these problems and to improve your comfort
and quality of life during treatment.
Infections: Because people with leukemia get infections very easily, you may
receive antibiotics and other drugs. Some people receive vaccines against the
flu and pneumonia. The health care team may advise you to stay away from crowds
and from people with colds and other contagious diseases. If an infection
develops, it can be serious and should be treated promptly. You may need to stay
in the hospital for treatment.
Anemia and bleeding: Anemia and bleeding are other problems that often
require supportive care. You may need a transfusion of red blood cells or
platelets. Transfusions help treat anemia and reduce the risk of serious
bleeding.
Dental problems: Leukemia and chemotherapy can make the mouth sensitive,
easily infected, and likely to bleed. Doctors often advise patients to have a
complete dental exam and, if possible, undergo needed dental care before
chemotherapy begins. Dentists show patients how to keep their mouth clean and
healthy during treatment. You can get information about supportive care on NCI's
Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/coping and from NCI's Cancer
Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER or LiveHelp (http://www.cancer.gov/help).
Next: What research is being done for leukemia? »
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