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Navigating your blood cancer care

Navigating a blood cancer diagnosis isn’t always simple or straightforward—but we’re here to guide you through it. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, managing a chronic disease, in remission, or a caregiver of someone who is, here you’ll find information, support, and resources.

Working with your care team 

Choosing a blood cancer specialist or a treatment center

One of the first choices you’ll make for your care will be selecting a specialist to manage your treatment and/or choosing a treatment center. Here’s what to consider.

Blood, bone marrow, and the lymphatic system

Knowing how your blood, bone marrow, and the lymphatic system all work within the body will help you better understand your blood cancer diagnosis and treatment options.

Lab and imaging tests

Your doctor may use several of these common lab and imaging tests to help diagnose your cancer or find certain genetic characteristics that will help them decide the right treatment for you.

How to organize your medical records

Keeping organized records of tests and information helps you play a more active, informed role in your care. You'll find our suggestions on what files you should include. You can also download our free Health Manager app to help you stay organized.

Communicating with your specialist and care team

Find out who’s who on your healthcare team and the questions you might want to ask them throughout your treatment.

Your treatment options

Making blood cancer treatment decisions

Learn how to get a second opinion and what questions to ask your care team before you move forward with a treatment plan.

Types of blood cancer treatment

Your treatment plan will be based on many factors and tailored to your specific type of blood cancer. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplant, or clinical trials are all options your healthcare team may recommend. Learn about them here.

Integrative medicine and complementary therapies

Complementary therapies can boost your well-being without interfering with standard treatments. Find out how they might help manage symptoms and reduce side treatment effects.

Know your rights, manage your finances

Managing finances and insurance coverage

Use these tools, guides, and lists of free resources to help manage your finances before, during, and after treatment.

Employment rights of cancer survivors and caregivers

Learn how to best protect yourself from employment discrimination by advocating for your rights in the workplace.

Managing daily life

How do I tell people I have cancer?

How much you choose to share about your diagnosis—and with whom—is a personal choice. Whether you’re preparing to have this conversation with your employer, family, or friends, here are some things to consider.

Parenting with blood cancer

Juggling parenting and cancer treatments isn’t easy. Use these tips to help you and your children cope with the changes.

Managing blood cancer treatment side effects

Reactions vary from patient to patient, but you can learn more about common side effects you may experience from your treatment and how to cope with them.

Vaccination and blood cancer

Find vaccination guidance and resources for people undergoing blood cancer treatment.

Fertility and reproductive health

Learn about the factors to consider before you begin your treatment and the steps you can take to maximize your ability to have a child in the future.

Sexual health and intimacy

Find out what to expect, how to cope, and how to talk to your partner and your healthcare team about intimacy.

Food and nutrition

Understand how a healthy diet will keep your body strong, support your immune system, and may even help you tolerate treatment side effects better.

Home care

Find out about the different types of home care, if it’s the right choice for you, and what to ask your doctor about this form of support.

End-of-life care

The terminal phase of an illness may require you, your loved ones, and your family to make important and difficult decisions. Find resources for the emotional, financial, and legal support you may need at this time.

Survivorship and life after treatment 

Follow-up care and survivorship

Follow-up care, staying healthy, and managing long-term treatment side effects can help you get back to doing what you love.

Firefighters and blood cancer risk

Some occupations, including firefighting, come with an increased risk for blood cancer due to certain environmental exposures. Find how to mitigate those risks as well as available resources.

Get free, one-on-one support

Call, email, or chat with a member of our highly trained support team.

Blood Cancer United resources

Find free, specialized guidance and information for every type of blood cancer, request financial support, find emotional support, and connect with other members of the blood cancer community.

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
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