Living well with chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML)

Learning about your condition can help you make decisions and feel more in control, but it's important to take things at your own pace and ask questions when you are ready.

We have lots of information about blood cancer that you, your family and friends may find helpful. You can also contact our Support Service to talk through anything you are worried or unsure about. Call our support nurses for free, confidential advice on 0808 2080 888 or use this web form for support by email.

You may like to talk to other people with blood cancer on our online community forum. People are always ready to listen and happy to share their stories and advice.

• Read our information about what happens now, or order our free printed booklet.
• Sign up for weekly support emails for practical tips and advice from other people with blood cancer.
• We have lots of information for family and friends about how they can support you while looking after themselves.
• Blood cancer and blood cancer treatment can make you more at risk from infections like viruses and bacteria. Get a free infection alert card for guidance about what to look out for and what to do if you think you have an infection.

It’s normal to have emotional ups and downs. But if you are feeling generally low, talk to your hospital team or GP. They may be able to get you professional help. Or if you prefer, there are self-help tips you can try.

Read our information about getting support for your mental health.

Eating a balanced diet and keeping as active as you can are important when you’ve living with blood cancer. It not only supports your physical health but can lift your mood too. Gentle exercise can even help with fatigue, the extreme tiredness that often affects people with blood cancer.

For simple ways to live more healthily after a blood cancer diagnosis, read our pages on eating well and staying active.

We also have a free printed booklet about eating well with blood cancer.

You may have questions or concerns about your finances, including benefits you may be able to claim and your rights at work.

Cancer is classed as a disability even if you are not having treatment. So you have rights under disability laws.

For more information about this and other practical matters, read our information about money and work.

It’s your choice who you tell about your diagnosis. If you look well, it can be an option to keep your diagnosis to yourself, but many people find it helpful to share what’s happening with close family and friends.

If you are working, consider telling your employer because they have to consider “reasonable adjustments” to help you work, such as time off for appointments or changing your hours.

Some conversations about your diagnosis will be more difficult than others. If you’re worried about how a conversation might go, our Support Service can help you plan what to say and talk through how to deal with different people’s reactions.

Things that can help:

• Bring a loved one to your appointments or take along the questions they want to ask.
• Direct them to our website for accurate information, especially our information for family and friends.
• Suggest they join our online community forum. There are lots of family members and friends on there as well as people living with blood cancer.