Overview
Chances are you were not particularly knowledgeable about leukemia before your diagnosis. Most people don't know a whole lot about cancer, beyond the brief items they see in the news. When diagnosed with cancer, some people don't want to know many details about their disease and prefer to rely on the judgment and decisions of others. Others find that doing a bit of research can greatly ease their fears and make decision-making less complex. As you do your research, keep in mind that not all sources are completely reputable. The best approach is to stick to the names you recognize, such as the major medical institutions and well known advocacy groups. Also, when you see medical news on television or in the newspaper, take it with a grain of salt - reporters sometimes make research results sound far more promising than they really are. If you hear about something interesting, look into the source of the news and ask your doctor about it. When you are being treated for cancer you'll find that many other related issues will arise - financial matters, transportation logistics, where to find counselors experienced in helping cancer patients, and more. The resources listed in the following sections can also help you with many of those issues.
Your Doctor
Your doctor, of course, will explain his/her assessment of your situation and recommend a treatment. Don't be afraid to ask questions about anything you don't understand.
Hospital Resources
Ask your doctor or nurse if the facility where you are being treated has a patient education department, a library, or seminars for patients. Also make use of any other resources your hospital offers, such as social workers, financial aid counselors, psychiatrists, and others. They are there to help you with information and services.
Government Agencies
Look in the Resources section of this program for the phone numbers and Internet addresses of the National Cancer Institute and other agencies. They have educational materials written especially for patients, as well as information on clinical trials. A good place to start is the NCI's website CancerNet.
Nonprofit Organizations
Contact nonprofit organizations such as the American Cancer Society and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. They can often help with services such as finding a support group, referrals to doctors, and information on clinical trials.
The Internet
There are many Internet sites offering information on cancer. Be careful, though. Some are not as reputable as others. Don't start your research by going to one of the big Internet search engines and typing in leukemia. You'll get thousands of listings, most of which will be of no use. Instead, go to the websites sponsored by names you recognize, such as medical schools or hospitals, nonprofit organizations, professional medical societies, government agencies, and major news outlets. Good places to begin are Oncolink, The National Cancer Institute, The American Cancer Society website, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website. These and many others are listed in Resources section of this program.
Local Libraries
Ask your librarian to help you with research. In addition to print materials, many libraries have Internet access. Do not use older medical textbooks. The information could easily be out of date.
Employers
Ask your benefits manager at work for information on treatment centers, financial aid, and other services for employees. The manager should also be able to help you get the most benefit from your health insurance.
Community Resources
Explore resources available in your own community. Does your religious organization or community center sponsor support groups for cancer patients? Often these resources can lead you to other local services and information. Call the local chapter of United Way, The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, the American Cancer Society, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the YMCA, or the Visiting Nurse Service to explore options.
Local Agencies
Your local or county government may offer help with some services, such as transportation. Also, if necessary, ask about assistance such as state disability, Medicaid, and food stamps.
