Knowledge is Power
Because the Litofsky family has chosen the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as a primary recipient of its resources, along with other supporting organizations, this information below is provided to give you a better understanding of this cancer.
Leukemia kills fewer people than ever especially children thanks to the expansive research efforts over the last two decades. 90% of children diagnosed with leukemia survive. Statistics vary with adult survivors but recovery is far greater with the recent strides made in treatment.
Leukemia, a type of cancer, involves the blood cells. These cells are formed in the bone marrow. With leukemia, the body produces large numbers of abnormal blood cells. Mostly, they are white blood cells that look different from normal blood cells and function improperly.
One way Leukemia type is classified is by how rapidly the disease occurs and worsens; the other way is by type of blood cell affected. Either acute or chronic; or based on cells affected, lymphoid or myeloid cells.
In acute Leukemia, symptoms appear and worsen quickly and the patient feels sick. Symptoms of chronic Leukemia are usually mild and slowly get worse.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever, chills-flu-like symptoms;
- Weakness/fatigue;
- Frequent infections:
- Loss of appetite/weight;
- Swollen/tender lymph nodes, liver or spleen;
- Sweating, particularly at night; and/or
- Bone or joint pain.
The complexities of treating Leukemia make it most important that patients be treated at a medical center that has significant experience in treating Leukemia.
Therapy usually includes chemotherapy and/or radiation along with bone marrow transplantation or biological therapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells; radiation is used along with chemotherapy in some kinds of Leukemia and uses high-energy rays to damage cancer cells and stop them from growing. Bone marrow transplants replace leukemia bone marrow with healthy bone marrow. In biological therapy, substances that affect the immune system's response to cancer are utilized.
Nutrition is a major issue with cancer patients. Those who eat well during cancer treatment often feel better, have more energy, and may be better able to handle the side effects of the treatment. Support is available to assist the patient in his/her effort to recover. Whether it is psychological, nutritional, vocational, many professionals are available in these medical centers who understand and are of major help. Support groups are there to help the family as well. There is no reason to feel alone in this battle for survival.
A critical part of recovery involves the support (care-giving) from family and friends regardless of past experience. Valuable ingredient to a successful response to treatment include the love, passion, and concern these caregivers can provide; the relationships often promote a healthy and positive attitude and can make it possible to hold on to a sense of humor which, over time, has shown to be a huge asset for a patient undergoing a life experience unlike any other.
When one overcomes this dreadful disease, they can usually find that they are emotionally stronger, motivated to accomplish goals long-forgotten, and are even more appreciative of what life offers. Sometimes they are more energized than ever before. Having the willingness and an eagerness to live are qualities that contribute to dealing with Leukemia successfully.
The future is optimistic for continued progress in diagnosing and treating Leukemia. The Harvey and Linda Litofsky Family Foundation was founded to aid in this goal. The information presented here was intended to provide some rudimentary information as a basis and motivation to further study. There are many sources for information on the Leukemias including centers for cancer, public and college libraries and especially medical school libraries. Those individuals affected by Leukemia may have varying degrees of desire for this information, but, in general, knowledge creates better understanding, anticipation, and more realistic expectations.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.
