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Blood cancer
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Taking care of mental health after a blood cancer diagnosis

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Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be life-altering and emotionally overwhelming. This can be especially true with a blood cancer diagnosis, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma.
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Blood cancer often requires long and complex treatments

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These can take a toll on the mental health of both patients and caregivers. Maintaining emotional and mental health during this journey is important.

Addressing mental health can not only lead to better overall outcomes. It can also lead to better quality of life for both patients and those supporting them.
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Understanding the emotional impact

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Living with blood cancer and undergoing treatment can be unpredictable. As a result, patients may feel anxious and overwhelmed. Each treatment session or doctor’s visit may be stressful for them. And feeling stressed for long periods may have a negative impact on their day-to-day mental well-being and even their physical health.
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It’s also common for patients to feel a sense of loss

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They may grieve for their loss of control, their independence, or the life they once knew. This can lead to depression, with symptoms like:

  • Persistent sadness
  • Fatigue or no energy
  • Loss of interest in activities

It’s essential to acknowledge these feelings and seek help when needed.

Stories of
strength

Watch these videos to learn how a real patient
and caregiver took steps to improve their
mental well-being:

video_id: 6347765374112

Carri’s story

Learn from Carri, who cares for her partner living with multiple myeloma.

video_id: 6352180496112

Jon’s story

Join Jon, living with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

video_id: 6352648747112

Tony’s Story: Advocating for himself and others

How Tony made it his mission to support other men in their journeys with prostate cancer.

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Work with your healthcare team

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To improve your mental health after a blood cancer diagnosis, start by talking to your healthcare team. Tell them how you are feeling. If you are feeling anxious, sad, or depressed during most of the day every day for 2 weeks, ask your healthcare team for help and guidance.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, dial 988 to talk to a trained mental health professional. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential and always available. For the Crisis Text Line, text HOME to 741741.

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The importance of support networks

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Talking openly about your feelings can make a big difference. In addition to working with your healthcare team, reach out to your family members, a trusted friend, or a counselor. Expressing your emotions can help reduce stress and may make your journey feel less isolating.

Joining a support group is another good option. It can connect you with people who are facing similar challenges. Whether online or in-person, support groups provide a safe space to share experiences and coping strategies. Sharing experiences can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide emotional relief.

Resources & community

For more support, consider reaching out to a patient advocacy organization like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Cancer Support Community, or the Lymphoma Research Foundation. They offer free resources for both patients and caregivers, from educational materials to emotional support programs.

Remember, you don’t have to go through the journey with blood cancer alone. Seeking help from your healthcare team, family and friends, support groups, or a professional counselor can make a meaningful difference in your well-being.

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Pfizer’s commitment to patients with blood cancer

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Pfizer offers a treatment for advanced cases of multiple myeloma and is continuing to investigate it for earlier stages of disease. We are also continuing to develop treatments for various types of leukemia, including ALL, CML, and AML.