Skip to main content

Managing blood cancer treatment side effects in young adults

Work closely with your doctor and cancer care team to prepare yourself with information about what to expect and how to cope with side effects. For some patients, side effects may last well after treatment is completed or may be permanent. For most patients, side effects are temporary and go away when the body adjusts to therapy or once treatment ends. On the other hand, some patients suffer symptoms that may require hospitalization until they subside. 

Reactions to treatment vary from patient to patient. Reactions also vary depending on: 

  • The treatment and/or types of drugs used
  • Drug or radiation dose amounts
  • The therapy's length
  • Whether you have other health conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease 

Unfortunately, drugs that damage or destroy cancer cells also affect normal cells and may cause certain side effects. However, side effects are not always drug-specific and may be related to something other than medication. While unexpected side effects can occur, most can be predicted because certain drugs are more likely than others to affect specific types of body tissues, such as those that make up the nervous system, kidneys, bladder, heart, and lungs.

What side effects could I experience from blood cancer treatment?

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.
Blood cancer patient wearing a knit beanie and glasses embraces a loved one during a hospital visit. The image highlights the importance of caregiver support, resilience, and hope throughout blood cancer treatment. Set in a healthcare environment, the photo reflects the experiences of blood cancer patients and families navigating diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and survivorship together.

Kerrie

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

leukemia patient weaing glasses and blue shirt at the beach

Paul

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Snapshot of Tricia with her family, a cancer survivor

Tricia

Staff

Jane, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patient, with companion

Jane

Hodgkin lymphoma

Gianna, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patient and advocate, pictured with other supporters

Gianna

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Two people are sitting close together indoors near a window. One person is wearing a dark top, and the other is wrapped in a purple and black patterned blanket. The background shows part of a beige wall and a window frame with daylight coming through.

Kelsey

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Cyclist wearing a blood cancer awareness fundraising jersey rides a road bike during an organized endurance event. The jersey features blood cancer advocacy messaging and supports efforts to fund research, patient support, and treatments. The image highlights the dedication of blood cancer supporters, survivors, and advocates who participate in athletic fundraising events to help improve outcomes for people affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers.

Bill

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Blood cancer patient sitting on a hospital bed during treatment alongside a supportive family member in a healthcare setting. Medical wristbands and treatment lines are visible, highlighting the realities of blood cancer care and recovery. The image reflects the vital role of caregivers, family support, and resilience throughout a blood cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship experience, emphasizing hope and connection during a challenging time.

Elizabeth

Family member, caregiver, advocate

Side-by-side portraits showing a blood cancer survivor and Team In Training participant in 2012 and 2022. In the first image, the individual wears a Team In Training shirt and points to the program logo. In the second image, the same individual stands wearing multiple race medals earned through endurance fundraising events. The photo illustrates a decade of resilience, survivorship, and advocacy in the blood cancer community, highlighting the impact of fundraising, patient support, and blood cancer research.

Max

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Childhood photo of two young children sitting indoors in dress clothes in front of a couch and decorative pillows. The image represents the personal story behind a blood cancer survivor, highlighting the importance of childhood blood cancer awareness, patient support, survivorship, and hope for families affected by blood cancer.

Ali

Family member and supporter

Participants run in a road race near the iconic Unisphere in Queens, New York, during a community fundraising event supporting blood cancer patients, survivors, and blood cancer research. Several runners wearing race bibs move through the course on a bright sunny day, highlighting awareness, advocacy, and support for the blood cancer community.

Matt

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Family of four posing together by a waterfront during a holiday celebration, with festive clothing and seasonal accessories. The image reflects the strength of families affected by blood cancer, highlighting the support, love, and togetherness that help patients and caregivers navigate blood cancer treatment, survivorship, and everyday milestones.

Jennifer

Mother and caregiver

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is now Blood Cancer United. Learn more.