Leukaemia Foundation
Services offered
Cancer information
Financial support and information
Emotional support
+3
Overview
Finding out that someone close to you has leukaemia, and that you might become their carer, can be overwhelming. You might worry about what comes next and how your life will change.
This section has links to support services as well as information about the carer’s role.
Remember, you’re not facing this alone. Call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to talk it through with our qualified professionals.
What’s on this page
You may be reading this information because you are caring for someone with acute leukaemia. What this means for you will vary depending on the situation. Being a carer can bring a sense of satisfaction, but it can also be challenging and stressful.
It is important to look after your own physical and emotional wellbeing. Give yourself some time out and share your concerns with somebody neutral such as a counsellor or your doctor, or try calling Cancer Connect on 13 11 20. There is a wide range of support available to help you with the practical and emotional aspects of your caring role.
Support services
Support services such as Meals on Wheels, home help or visiting nurses can help you in your caring role. You can find local services, as well as information and resources, through the Carer Gateway. Call 1800 422 737.
Support groups and programs
Many cancer support groups and cancer education programs are open to carers as well as to people with leukaemia. Carers NSW, a statewide organisation specifically for carers, can also provide support. Call 02 9280 4744.
Caring for my mum was deeply emotional. It was difficult, but it gave me a tremendous sense of caring and giving.
Bone marrow and blood donations
You can offer indirect support to someone with acute leukaemia by becoming a bone marrow donor. Bone marrow donors are usually related to the person receiving the bone marrow, but sometimes donors are matched through the Stem Cell Donors Australia registry.
Many people are eligible to donate blood at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. Call 13 14 95.
Children with acute leukaemia
If your child has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia, there are many sources of support during this difficult time, including:
- hospital staff who specialise in working with children. They can offer valuable advice and support. Some hospitals also have child life therapists or play, music or art therapists.
- groups such as Canteen, Redkite, Camp Quality (for information about these organisations, visit Cancer Hub) and the Leukaemia Foundation offer support and information for families and children affected by leukaemia.
Should I tell my child?
It is natural to want to protect your child from the news of the diagnosis, but children often pick up that something is wrong. Your child may not be feeling well or may wonder why they are seeing the doctor so frequently. Talking openly and honestly about the leukaemia will help your child feel less anxious and more in control of the situation. What you tell your child depends on how old they are and how much they understand. Cancer Council has resources that may be helpful at this time.
For more information, see Talking to kids about cancer and listen to Cancer Council's Explaining Cancer to Kids podcast episode.
Relevant support
Read cancer information
Trusted cancer information for all people affected by cancer
Need to talk to someone?
We're available 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)