Leukemia is a kind of cancer that affects the tissues in the body that create new blood cells, this includes the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. In most cases, leukemia affects the white blood cells, which are necessary for fighting off infections. In a healthy person, the white blood cells form and divide in an orderly fashion. However, in people who have leukemia, the blood cells don’t develop the way they should and, thus, don’t work properly. At first, there might not be any apparent symptoms, but as the disease progresses, some common symptoms may appear. Knowing some of the early signs of leukemia could help you to identify the disease in your aging relative. Some of the symptoms are described below.
Anemia
Because the tissues that help to create healthy blood cells are damaged by leukemia, there often aren’t enough red blood cells in the body. This means there isn’t enough hemoglobin, which is needed to transport iron throughout the body. The lack of iron causes a condition called anemia. Symptoms of anemia include:
- Trouble breathing.
- Pale skin.
- Nausea.
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Night sweats.
- Weight loss.
- Bone pain.
- Symptoms similar to the flu.
- Frequent Illness
When white blood cells don’t form properly, your aging relative may get sick more often than is normal. They might catch every cold that comes along or have trouble healing when they get a cut. In fact, leukemia can cause the immune system to attack healthy tissues.
Poor Clotting
When your aging relative gets a cut or a bruise, they may bleed more than usual or not heal as quickly as they should. You may notice small purple or red spots on the skin, called petechiae. These are another sign of poor blood clotting.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
If you feel your older family member’s neck or arm pits, you may notice bumps. These are swollen lymph nodes. They may also occur in the groin.
If your older family member has been diagnosed with leukemia, elder care can help them throughout the treatment and recovery process. An elder care provider can watch for signs of illness or infection, ensuring family caregivers can get medical attention for the senior as soon as possible. Elder care providers can also allow the older adult to rest when they are feeling tired by taking over household chores, including cleaning, laundry, dishes, and cooking. In addition, elder care can offer transportation to and from treatment appointments.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/leukemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20374373
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/lymphoma/understanding-leukemia-symptoms
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142595
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Elder Care in Largo, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
Latest posts by Becky Moultrie (see all)
- Five Things You Should Know About In-Home Care - April 7, 2023
- Are There Healthy Alternatives to Caffeine for Seniors? - March 31, 2023
- Home Care Assistance Covers a Range of Services and Support - March 24, 2023
Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
