Chronic myeloid leukaemia - Complications of chronic myeloid leukaemia

Being immunocompromised (having a weakened immune system) is a possible complication for some patients with chronic leukaemia.

There are two reasons for this:

• the lack of healthy white blood cells means your immune system is less able to fight infection
• many of the medicines used to treat chronic leukaemia can weaken the immune system

This means you are more vulnerable to developing an infection, and that any infection you have has an increased potential to cause serious complications.

You may be advised to take regular doses of antibiotics to prevent infections occurring. You should immediately report any possible symptoms of an infection to your GP or care team because prompt treatment may be required to prevent serious complications.

Symptoms of infection include:

• high temperature (fever) of 38C (101.4F) or above
• headache
• aching muscles
• diarrhoea
• tiredness

Avoid contact with anyone who is known to have an infection, even if it is a type of infection that you were previously immune to, such as chickenpox or measles. This is because your previous immunity to these conditions will probably be suppressed (lowered).

While it is important to go outside on a regular basis, both for exercise and for your psychological wellbeing, avoid visiting crowded places and using public transport during rush hour.

Also ensure that all of your vaccinations are up-to-date. Your GP or care team will be able to advise you about this. You will be unable to have any vaccine that contains activated particles of viruses or bacteria, such as:

• the mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) vaccine
• the polio vaccine
• the oral typhoid vaccine
• the BCG vaccine (used to vaccinate against tuberculosis)
• the yellow fever vaccine

Psychological effects of chronic leukaemia

Receiving a diagnosis of chronic leukaemia can be very distressing, particularly if it is unlikely that your condition can be cured. At first, the news may be difficult to take in.

The situation can be made worse if you are confronted with the knowledge that even though your leukaemia may not currently be causing any symptoms, it could be a serious problem in later life. Having to wait many years to see how the leukaemia develops can be immensely stressful and can trigger feelings of stress, anxiety and depression.

If you have been diagnosed with leukaemia, talking to a counsellor or psychiatrist (a doctor who specialises in treating mental health conditions) may help you to combat feelings of depression and anxiety. Antidepressants or medicines that help to reduce feelings of anxiety may also help you cope better with the condition.

You may find it useful to talk to other people who are living with leukaemia. Your GP or multidisciplinary team may be able to provide you with details of local support groups.

Another excellent resource is Macmillan Cancer Support. Their helpline number is 0808 808 00 00 and is open Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm.  

Further information

You can read more information on all aspects of living and coping with cancer at the following links:

• living with cancer – including information on treatment, support and personal experiences of cancer
• coping with chronic myeloid leukaemia – Cancer Research UK