Children's Hospital Colorado

Childhood Leukemia Treatment

Contact our Oncology Program

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The leukemia treatment journey

A child’s treatment for leukemia typically lasts six months to three years, depending on the diagnosis. Many children with leukemia will only need to undergo chemotherapy, but some may also need to be treated with radiation or a bone marrow transplant. Our pediatric specialists customize a care plan for each child based on the specific biology of their leukemia to ensure their treatment is as effective as possible.

Our families discuss their child’s leukemia treatment

Kaden’s tips for kids undergoing cancer treatment

Here are a few things that helped Kaden and his family:

  1. Use distractions to help make getting ports and pokes for blood draws easier.
  2. Have lots of visitors come to the hospital, especially siblings and friends.
  3. Get up and out of the hospital room as much as possible.
  4. When you can’t leave the hospital room, tune in to Seacrest Studios on your TV.
  5. Bring blankets and personal things from home to help hospital stays feel more normal.
  6. Make friends and have fun with the nurses, doctors and people at Seacrest Studios.

Childhood leukemia treatment resources

Within days, or even hours, of being diagnosed with leukemia, a child will need to begin treatment. This treatment can be challenging for the entire family, especially as they are still digesting the news of the diagnosis. Some weeks can feel like an uphill battle and others may even start to feel “normal.”

Advice from the mom of a cancer warrior

Kaden’s mom Julie shares what she’s learned along Kaden’s leukemia treatment journey – from coping with hard days to supporting siblings.

Read her tips

Supporting families during cancer treatment

Our Wellness Program team supports families throughout their journey with cancer – from initial diagnosis to years after treatment.

 

Read about our Wellness Program

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during treatment

Though side effects can make it challenging at times, it’s important for children with leukemia to stay active and eat well whenever possible. This can help children during and after their treatment.

Learn about the benefits

"Our first appointment was to meet with the doctors. Right off the bat, we knew we were in the right place. The doctors understood Taisley, and they understood us."
Monique, Taisley’s mom

Additional childhood leukemia resources

Partnership with the University of Colorado School of Medicine

Children's Hospital Colorado partners with the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where many of our physicians and care providers serve as faculty.