During treatment for any stage of leukemia, there are things you can do at home to help manage the side effects of leukemia or its treatment. Home treatment may be all that is needed to manage the following common problems. If your doctor has given you instructions or medicines to treat these symptoms, be sure to use them. Eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep and exercise may help you feel better.

• Home treatment for nausea or vomiting includes watching for and treating early signs of dehydration, such as having a dry mouth, sticky saliva, and reduced urine output with dark yellow urine, and feeling lightheaded when you stand up. Your doctor also may prescribe medicines to control nausea and vomiting. For more information on how to deal with these side effects, see:

  Cancer: Controlling nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.

• Home treatment for diarrhea includes resting your stomach and being alert for signs of dehydration. It is important to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Check with your doctor before using any over-the-counter drugs for diarrhea.
• Home treatment for constipation includes gentle exercise along with drinking enough fluids and eating a diet that is high in fiber. Check with your doctor before using a laxative. Ask your doctor whether there are any foods that you should avoid while you are receiving chemotherapy. Many people are told not to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and to eat only well-cooked meat. Bacteria on fresh fruits and vegetables are not always washed off easily. Bacteria that live inside meats are not always killed unless the meat is cooked well. When your immune system is weakened by leukemia treatment, you are more likely than other people to get sick from these bacteria.
• Home treatment for fatigue includes making sure you get extra rest while you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Let your symptoms guide you. You may be able to keep your usual routine and just get some extra sleep. Fatigue is often worse at the end of treatment or just after treatment is completed.
• Home treatment for sleep problems includes establishing a sleep routine that will let you get the rest you need.
• Eating well during treatment for leukemia includes making sure you get the nutrition you need to prevent weight loss and conserve your strength. You may find it helpful to talk with a registered dietitian (RD) to make sure you're eating a balanced diet during your treatment.

Dealing with your emotions

If you have recently been diagnosed with leukemia, you may have many different emotions. Most people feel some denial, anger, and grief. Some people may feel depressed or "blue." Other people may have fewer emotions. There is no "normal" or "right" way to react. There are many steps you can take to help with your emotional reaction to leukemia. Some people find that talking with family and friends helps. Other people find that spending time alone is what they need.