After Treatment

After treatment for T-cell leukemia ends, talk with your doctor about developing a follow-up care plan. This plan may include regular physical examinations, blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and possibly scans or other imaging studies to monitor your recovery for the coming months and years. People experiencing a long-term remission are encouraged to follow cancer screening recommendations for the general population.

Several long-term side effects from leukemia treatment may occur:

• People who have received certain chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the lungs may develop lung damage.
  
  
• Cardiac damage in the form of a weakened heart muscle may occur in people who have received a higher dose of doxorubicin or radiation therapy to the chest.
  
  
• Infertility or premature menopause can occur in people who have received high-dose cyclophosphamide or other chemotherapy.
  
  
• People treated with chemotherapy, and specifically with alemtuzumab, are at higher risk for infection even after the end of therapy.
  
  
• A secondary leukemia or secondary cancer (a cancer that develops because of the treatment for another type of cancer) is more common in people who were treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

People recovering from T-cell leukemia are encouraged to follow established guidelines for good health, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating a balanced diet, and having recommended cancer screening tests. Talk with your doctor to develop a plan that is best for your needs. Moderate physical activity can help rebuild your strength and energy level. Your doctor can help you create an appropriate exercise plan based upon your needs, physical abilities, and fitness level. Learn more about Healthy Living After Cancer.

To learn about the terms used in this section, read the Cancer.Net Feature: Cancer Terms to Know: After Treatment.