Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Support Group
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (or "chronic lymphoid leukemia") CLL, is a cancer in which too many lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells) are produced. CLL is the most-diagnosed form of leukemia in adults. Men are twice as likely to develop CLL as women, however the key risk factor is age: over 75% of new cases are diagnosed in patients over age 50.
I few months ago during routine blood work for a pre-job screening it was found that I had a low white blood cell count. This was no surprise since I have had low WBC since I was a baby. Still I was sent to my GP to get checked out and she then sent my to a hematologist (because she wasn't comfortable signing the form that stated I was fit to work). The hematologist ran a lot of blood work and told me to come back in a month for a repeat but based on my excellent health he figured I was fine and signed off on my form.
Today I logged on my health insurance account to look at some dental claims and to my surprise saw on my 'conditions' tab the hematologist stated I had Chronic lymphocytic leukemia of B-cell type. I have literally been shaking and crying ever since. I'm female and only 27 years old who is an avid runner and horse back rider, who hasn't had more than a minor cold in the past ten years. I don't understand this diagnosis at all. All my blood work I've had in the past few years is stable except for the usually low WBC (ranging from 3.0-3.8 usually) and sometimes high percentage of lymphocytes. From what I've read so far I wouldn't have a low WBC if this was my diagnosis. Can anyone shed some light on this?
I'm so afraid of this diagnosis not only because it is cancer but also because I could possible lose my job since according to regulations I can't work if I have cancer.
Today I logged on my health insurance account to look at some dental claims and to my surprise saw on my 'conditions' tab the hematologist stated I had Chronic lymphocytic leukemia of B-cell type. I have literally been shaking and crying ever since. I'm female and only 27 years old who is an avid runner and horse back rider, who hasn't had more than a minor cold in the past ten years. I don't understand this diagnosis at all. All my blood work I've had in the past few years is stable except for the usually low WBC (ranging from 3.0-3.8 usually) and sometimes high percentage of lymphocytes. From what I've read so far I wouldn't have a low WBC if this was my diagnosis. Can anyone shed some light on this?
I'm so afraid of this diagnosis not only because it is cancer but also because I could possible lose my job since according to regulations I can't work if I have cancer.
I'm so sorry you had to find out like that! That is pretty cold. Any kind of leukemia is terrifying. My FP doc called me on a Friday afternoon before Labor Day and told me I had some kind of leukemia and if I started bleeding to go to the ER! What a hard-hearted person. Some docs don't realize that we non-doctor people are not aware how many kinds of leukemia there are. You can find some comfort in the fact that our leukemia is the most commonly diagnosed in the western world. My oncologist says that although there is no cure, there are treatments and they are finding out more about the disease as the years go by. It will get easier. I have known about mine for 4 1/2 years and still am symptom free. My wbc is high. I see my oncologist every 6 months. Please know that you are not alone! Try not to worry so much. What kind of job would not let you work if you have cancer?