COVID-19 Resource Centre

Get Vaccinated. Practice Safety. We know the COVID-19 vaccines are not as effective in some people affected by blood cancers. Studies are underway to better understand vaccine efficacy in the blood cancer population but we know vaccines are safe and effective in the majority of people affected by blood cancers. 
We encourage our community to get vaccinated unless their physician instructs otherwise. Ev...

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada has been closely monitoring the deployment of the COVID-19 vaccine across Canada. Most provinces are prioritizing vaccinations for defined vulnerable populations including: Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. There is preliminary evidence (not peer reviewed) that suggests the imm...

March 29, 2021 The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada is actively monitoring the prioritization of COVID-19 vaccinations for people affected by blood cancers. The situation is in flux as provinces are revisiting and, in some cases, amending their priority access recommendations for vulnerable populations.

Newfoundland & Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Quebec, Alber...

With the arrival of vaccines against COVID-19, those affected by blood cancer have many questions. Our speaker will tell us about the vaccines available in Canada to counter COVID-19 and will sum up the current state of knowledge which is constantly evolving. More specifically, he will attempt to answer the following questions: What are the types of vaccine? What is the vaccine development process and how d...

Your nurse plays a vital role in supporting, educating, coaching and providing care throughout your experience with blood cancer. Clinical research nurses, oncology nurse navigators and clinical and palliative care nurses alike have had to adapt their practice to help slow down the spread of COVID-19. Since the start of the pandemic, nurses have been doing everything in their power to protect their patients from i...

In December 2020, Health Canada approved two vaccines, one from Pfizer (on the 9) and one from Moderna (on the 23). A third vaccine, from AstraZeneca, was approved in Great Britain (December 30). First and foremost, it is important to highlight the extraordinary accomplishment of developing three vaccines. In the urgent context of COVID-19, governments, scientists, research centres and pharmaceutical companies aro...

By André, Montréal My name is André, and I live with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Since I was diagnosed in 2010, I have gone through the stages of treatments and side effects of CLL/PLL and secondary cancers with resilience and hope for better days, thanks to the support of my hematologist-oncologist and that of specialists and patient support organizations like the LLSC. My recent experience with COV...

C. Elizabeth Dougherty is a Social Worker and Educator with extensive experience supporting children, youth and adults facing serious illness, uncertainty and grief. In this podcast, she helps us understand the different types of grief, explains how we can manage the grief that the current pandemic is causing us all to experience,as well as strategies for adapting to all the changes that we are experiencing, especial...

Odile Sévigny and Jean-Luc Moisan, collaborators For several months now, we’ve all had to deal with major changes to our everyday lives. Many of us are feeling a sense of loss of control over our environment, increased anxiety, fear and sadness, as well as a decreased sense of personal well-being and joy that comes from being around family and friends. When everyday life changes so suddenly, it feels as though ...

My rituals before and during the pandemic Stéphanie Jarry In October 2019, I was told that I had stage II Hodgkin lymphoma. When I started my treatments, I decided to start writing in a journal that I had gotten several years ago. On the cover, it said, “The best way to get something done is to begin.” At the time, I had picked up the journal because that sentence really spoke to me. I would have never ...

By Erica Botner Article shared by our partner Huddol.com Surviving a pandemic winter may be hard on a lot of people. You are not alone. While this summer was marked by a global pandemic and many of our activities were limited (travel, social life, etc.), we were still able to spend some time outside with friends and family safely, and even for long walks, appreciating the weather and nature. With the ...

Keep your children busy and healthy during the pandemic You can find on the Government of Canada website: Activities for children, You and your family's mental health, Returning to school, Staying connected, Information for parents Use these activities to teach your child about what they can do to reduce the spread of COVID-19: Hand washing heroes (video) Colour and learn (colouring pages...

Article shared by LLS (U.S.) Many people who have undergone cancer treatment understand what’s it’s like to have to practice social distancing and the importance of isolating themselves to safeguard their compromised immune system. And now amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, many of us are doing the same to protect our own health as well as the health of our loved-ones and our communities. Tho...

Toronto, Ontario (September 1, 2020) – Leading experts from across the country are putting on a united front to help restart the stalled momentum of cancer research in Canada.   Dr. Florian Kuchenbauer, a clinician and blood cancer researcher in British Columbia is leading a newly formed Researcher Super Team – a group of scientists that have come together to help raise funds and advocate for the cri...

In these difficult times, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada is here for you. You may be alone in your home, but you are not alone in facing blood cancer during a pandemic. Being part of a community can help us to feel less alone by reminding us that we’re not the only ones facing these struggles. It’s also a chance to give back to others. Reach out today. The LLSC offers two ways to give and get su...

By: Margo Kennedy
Oncology Social Worker
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
What are some of the hallmark symptoms of stress and anxiety during the pandemic and now that we are preparing for a potential 2nd wave? Some patients I speak to understandably are very concerned about contracting Covid 19, due to their weakened immune system. Living with this stress on top of a blood cancer diagnosis...

By Jany Chauvat COVID-19 has brought many changes. Since March, we have had to adjust how we live our lives. As a survivor of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, I had no choice but to adapt to the new health measures. Wearing a mask, limiting visits and all contact, washing my hands every ten minutes—it brought me right back to three years ago. It’s the life of an immunosuppressed person. Mine is a relativel...

Article originally published on September 11 in the Globe & Mail Mayra Husic in the meditation room and “healing space” she built in the back yard of her Montreal home. When the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered borders in March and forced Canadians inside their homes, Mayra Husic felt despondent. Her beloved yellow lab had recently died, and she found herself sleeping on the couch every night with her da...

Gabrielle Duhamel
Doctoral student in Kinesiology
Physical Activity Sciences
University of Montréal 
After I was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia six years ago, I would often compare myself to the physical abilities I had had before—when I could bike two hours a day to get to work (even in the winter!) and win kayak races. I would also compare myself to those around me: ...

While most of the provinces are beginning to lift lockdown, the federal government still considers COVID-19 to be a serious health threat[1] and recommends that Canadians carefully follow all provincial recommendations related to lockdown lifting. As a person living with cancer whose immune system is weakened, you must stay as vigilant as you were during lockdown. You should encourage your loved ones and anyone wi...

Having a child with cancer comes with many unique challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic presents added stress. Below are several answers to our most frequently asked questions.    Is my child at a higher risk?  Children with cancer who are undergoing treatment may have weakened immune systems. Your child may be at a higher risk of contracting any infection compare...

Is there a treatment for COVID-19?  here is currently no approved treatment for COVID-19, the illness caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. It can take years to develop new medications, so for now, researchers are concentrating on existing medications that could fight the virus, specifically antiretrovirals. These treatments act on people already infected with the ...

Earlier this year, Stephanie Thorson reached out to the LLSC about working with the blood cancer community to lead individuals in one-on-one art therapy sessions. She was able to facilitate the project remotely; participants just needed an Internet connection and basic art supplies. In-person programs are not an option right now, and a global pandemic means that stress levels are at an all-time high for a lot of p...

Linda August, bone marrow transplant and lymphoma survivor 
    "I have been in isolation at home with my partner since March 13.  The only outing since then has been walking, when not too busy out, while maintaining distance.  Others have shopped for me and dropped things on the doorstep. This is not easy for someone used to being independent.  But I am a 68-year-ol...

In this webcast, Dr. Florian Kuchenbauer, clinical scientist and associate professor, provides an overview of our current knowledge on COVID-19 and blood cancers. He answers some questions from the blood cancer community.  Watch Recording    ...

Various coronaviruses can cause respiratory infections in humans, from your average cold to more severe illnesses, like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). COVID-19 is spread mainly by respiratory droplets from people with a cough or other symptoms, such as fever or fatigue, OR people with very few symptoms (especially at the start of the disease).   It appears that some asymptomatic people ca...

Taking care of someone who is fighting cancer, while rewarding, can be physically and mentally draining. It may have become more difficult and stressful in the context of COVID-19. To protect your loved one, you have to protect yourself first. It is more important now than ever to follow these recommendations: Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Avoid all unnecessar...

If you are currently receiving treatment for cancer, you are at a higher risk of having a suppressed immune system. For more information, you can read more in our article about immunosuppression.  Do I have to disinfect my groceries when I get home? What should I do? We recommend that you ask someone you know to do your grocery shopping. You can also use a delivery service and request no-contact delivery s...

How can I protect myself when I have to go to a cancer centre for a follow-up appointment or for treatment?  If your hospital appointment has been confirmed by your physician or nurse, it’s important for you to go to it and take precautions.   If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your healthcare team BEFORE going to the hospital:  Fever or temperature of 38.3°C (...

Many of you may be wondering about the impact of COVID-19 on your health as a person with a blood cancer. You’ve probably seen the term IMMUNOSUPPRESSED come up in various articles on the subject, but what does that actually mean? 
The immune system can be compared to an army with various battalions (cells and organs) and weapons (such as antibodies) responsible for defending us against all kinds of...

As we all continue to adjust to a new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s essential to practice good self-care and prioritize our health. Your body’s ability to fight infection and disease depends on your immune system. Although there are no special foods or dietary supplements that can prevent COVID-19, healthy living strategies can help support your immune system now and all year long.  We have the ...

    This article was written by Haley Zora, a blood cancer survivor. 
Life in Isolation   Surviving isolation is a skill I’ve been forced to learn at three separate times in my life, and to be completely honest it wasn’t exactly thrilling at any time. Chemotherapy, a broken leg with a compressed vertebrae, and now COVID-19 have kept me from regular life and mostly ...

Registered Holistic Nutritionist Tara K. Antle discusses how a combination of proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and maintaining a positive attitude are achievable means for Canadians to enhance their health and well-being during times of isolation and social-distancing. Watch Recording   ...

    This article was written by Rachele Chaar, a bone marrow transplant and Hodgkin lymphoma survivor.    
Surviving Quarantine     Following the surge in COVID-19 cases, many provinces across Canada have declared a state emergency. In order to help contain the pandemic and flatten the curve, we’ve been asked to stay home as much as possible a...

This article was written by lymphoma survivor Claudia Martino I wanted to share a part of my story with this community because we obviously have some things in common! I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at four years old and again at 11 years old. I am now seven years in remission. I am writing this article to share with you what I learned from the Kids Write Network (KWN) process t...

The ways we need to live our lives in the midst of this global COVID-19 pandemic is changing daily as federal and provincial governments ask us to hunker down, schools and businesses are shutting down or moving to virtual settings. We continue to hear every day from Canadians affected by blood cancers about how they should navigate their treatment and care in this confusing time.  You asked and we’re respon...

Whether you are self-quarantining or practicing social distancing, we all are adjusting to a new normal amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. As a person diagnosed with a blood cancer, you might be experiencing feelings of isolation, uncertainty and anxiety. As a caregiver, you might be feeling overwhelmed with navigating your loved one’s care while l...

Webcast Details
  Finding Gratitude and Practicing Yoga and Meditation During COVID-19
  Part I -How to Stay Positive in Challenging Times Mayra Husic was diagnosed with stage IV follicular lymphoma back in 2011. Her blood cancer experience consisted of a lengthy treatment, lung surgery, a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and a second round in ‘watch-and-wait’, which is where she remain...

Webcast Details
  COVID-19: Looking After your Mental Health and Wellbeing
  It’s a stressful time for everyone right now.  We reached out to Dr. Megan Rodway, clinical psychiatrist, who has agreed to walk you through what you can do right now to help optimize your mental and physical health during self-quarantine.  She offers specific tools to calm your mind and body, ...

Webcast Details COVID-19 and What you Need to Know Now: Mitigating the Spread and its Impact on Canadians Affected by a Blood Cancer In this webcast, Dr. Vinh provides a brief overview of COVID-19 and factors associated with risk of severe disease. He then answers selected questions from audience members. As the global community navigates this new normal, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada will co...

Since we first learned of the rapid global spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) the situation continues to evolve at a dizzying pace. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada has been closely monitoring the fast-changing situation and we understand this is causing confusion and anxiety among the blood cancer community. We all are finding ourselves having to adapt quickly to the new normal. Even here at The Le...

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada is closely monitoring the developments on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak and how it might impact Canadians affected by blood cancers. Visit our COVID-19 Resource Center Some people in treatment may be worried about the supply of therapeutic drugs (such as Imbruvica or Ibrutinib) produced in China. Its manufacturer Pharmacyclics is closely monitoring the...