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.
Hi. This is my first post to this site. I was diagnosed about 3 weeks ago with CLL (thus far level 0). I have spent some time reading other posts here and I think many of you have have been where I am right now. The newly diagnosed have so many questions and fears, and are unsure where to turn to get answers and support. From my readings here I have been able to gain perspective and hope. Thanks so much!
Being a natural 'worrier', I have pretty much given myself every possible symptom. I have put my body into a constant feeling of aches and pains, and major anxiety attacks. Has anyone else been here? How did you overcome these feelings and learn to move forward? Before my diagnosis I felt "Great!" thanks. Now over the past 2 months of various tests and having been diagnosed I have become a total hypochondriac! How does one get back to where they were before (or even to somewhere remotely similar?).
Being a natural 'worrier', I have pretty much given myself every possible symptom. I have put my body into a constant feeling of aches and pains, and major anxiety attacks. Has anyone else been here? How did you overcome these feelings and learn to move forward? Before my diagnosis I felt "Great!" thanks. Now over the past 2 months of various tests and having been diagnosed I have become a total hypochondriac! How does one get back to where they were before (or even to somewhere remotely similar?).
I was diagnosed on Sept 17th. I think that a lot of what I have been/was feeling was in my head. I have been feeling more like myself again as of late. I think my anxieties play a big part. My white cells were just under normal limits and my lymphocytes were at 5.?. Like you relatively mild and categorized level 0. My specialist has suggested a chest x-ray and pelvic ultrasound to have a look at my nodes (that he cannot feel externally; those ones have all checked out fine for me thus far). I am having that done next week. Fingers crossed it all checks out fine. He did say we could do a CT scan but suggested this route rather than exposure to all that radiation. Maybe you should ask your dr about the same?
I think you and I need to figure out our own way of mentally dealing with our situation. I find this site has helped, just from reading other people's posts (by the way, thanks for responding to mine!).
I hope you're feeling better and contact me anytime you want to chat.
L
Thoughts & Prayers,
Deb
www.cllcfriends.com
I think you are correct. I was having major anxiety attacks and actually was prescribed Ativan to help with my anxiety. Once I began to take it (which I really put off doing) many of those 'symptoms' disappeared. In the meantime I am slowly learning to cope. I have a chest xray and pelvic ultra sound coming up next week. My fingers are crossed that they check out okay and that I can remain categorized as a level 0. Thanks for your words.
L
I am glad to hear that you are having a better day. Snow already? Where the heck are you??? UGH....much too early for that. I am in Canada and we don't have any of that yet where I am!
Maybe due to all the emotional strain you just need these few days to rest. It's probably good for you to be forced inside for some quality down time. Try to move forward a bit more everyday. I'm sure it will come. Good luck with the November bloodwork and please keep me posted. thinking of you...
L
My prayers are with you both!
Deb
www.cllcfriends.com