After the first week of Art & Craft Workshop, our participants were looking forward to their second session… Some were even dropping by or calling to find out the content of the second session as they were excited to know what they were going to learn… One of the participants even rushed home after work to bring his children along for the 2nd session… Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation is glad that the participants are enjoying themselves and we hope that this series of Art & Craft Workshop will be beneficial for them… Attached is a slideshow of the 2nd week …

Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation will be starting a Beneficiaries’ Support Programme. Beneficiaries’ Support Programme is targeted at beneficiaries who are newly diagnosed or suffering from a relapse of their medical condition. The support and friendship that the beneficiaries receive from their befrienders will help them to build resilience so that they are better equipped to withstand the negative emotions and/or doubts which may arise during their treatment period prior to remission. Each befriending relationship will be unique as befrienders will be specially matched with the beneficiaries according to their life experiences and/or backgrounds. Befrienders will be from diverse backgrounds and …

(Information extracted from Julie C.  (2009). Eating well: A practical guide for people living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.  Lilian D, Ed.). Australia: Leukaemia Foundation.) There are many reasons for loss of appetite. These include the physical side-effects of treatment as well as the psychological ones. Fear, anxiety and/or depression can all impact upon your desire for food. Most people find that although their appetite improves once they finish treatment, and/or leave hospital, it often takes some time before they are able to eat as much as they used to. Rather than eating regular large meals, try …

Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation has started our Art & Craft Workshops… Attached is a snippet of last week’s workshops…Art & Craft Workshops

(Information extracted from Julie C.  (2009). Eating well: A practical guide for people living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.  Lilian D, (Ed.). Australia: Leukaemia Foundation.) Some cancer treatments affect the production of saliva, which can cause a dry mouth. Increase the amount of fluids you drink each day Avoid dry food – you may need to add extra sauce or gravy to moisten dishes Rinse your mouth with water or a recommended solution after food or as necessary to help stimulate saliva production To help stimulate saliva production: Rinse your mouth with cold water regularly Suck hard …

(Information extracted from Julie C.  (2009). Eating well: A practical guide for people living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.  Lilian D, (Ed.). Australia: Leukaemia Foundation.) Using a soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste (if recommended), gently brush your teeth after every meal Use a soft floss after every meal unless your gums are sensitive Rinse your mouth with water or a solution recommended by your doctor, dentist or nurse after every meal and every one to two hours when it feels sore Choose mouthwashes that are alcohol free and designed for sensitive mouths

(Information extracted from Julie C.  (2009). Eating well: A practical guide for people living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.  Lilian D, (Ed.). Australia: Leukaemia Foundation.) A sore mouth or throat, also known as mucositis, is a common and uncomfortable side-effect of some cancer treatments. It usually starts about a week after the treatment has finished and goes away a couple of weeks later. During this time your mouth and throat could get quite sore and it may be difficult to eat. Soluble paracetamol and other topical drugs (ones which can be applied to the sore area) can …

(Information extracted from Julie C.  (2009). Eating well: A practical guide for people living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.  Lilian D, (Ed.). Australia: Leukaemia Foundation.) Take anti-nausea medication as prescribed Avoid eating just before or shortly after treatment Don’t go for long periods without eating, as this may make your nausea worse Have smaller meals more frequently during the day, rather than a few large ones Ensure you are having cool, clear, unsweetened fluids like water or diluted juice (e.g. pear, mango) or nectar. Sip on broths, herbal teas (like green tea, ginger tea or raspberry leaf …

(Information extracted from Julie C.  (2009). Eating well: A practical guide for people living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.  Lilian D, (Ed.). Australia: Leukaemia Foundation.) The side-effects of commonly used cancer treatments (like chemotherapy and radiation therapy) place extra demands on your body for energy and nutrients. At the same time the side-effects of these treatments and the cancer itself can affect your normal eating patterns, reducing your desire for food and your ability to eat the amount or type of food you normally would. Side-effects and their severity can vary from person to person depending on …

(Information extracted from Julie C.  (2009). Eating well: A practical guide for people living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.  Lilian D, (Ed.). Australia: Leukaemia Foundation.) When you are first diagnosed, you have a great deal to cope with both emotionally and physically. The shock of the diagnosis may mean you don’t want to eat or even think about food. Eating well before your treatment begins can help to give you more energy and strength to cope with treatment. Many people find that their normal pattern of eating changes while they are having treatment. During treatment and for …