Where to Find Support While Dealing with Leukemia

Dealing with these feelings is often easier as you learn more about your disease and get support. Doctors, nurses, and other members of your health care team can answer questions about your concerns. Talking with friends and relatives or getting in touch with others who have had leukemia or cancer can be helpful. Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy may also help. Many people with leukemia attend support groups. There they can share what they have learned about leukemia and its treatments.

Here are some options for finding support:

• Ask a nurse or social worker at your hospital or clinic for referrals. They might suggest a local or national group that can offer emotional support, financial aid, transportation, home care, or other services.

• Call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service. It can be reached at 800-4-CANCER (800-422-6237) for information about resources.

• Call the American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345). It is a nonprofit organization that helps people with cancer and their families.

• Contact the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at 800-955-4572 or online.