Unintentional weight loss?

[karmacrepe]

Is unintentional weight loss common with CLL? My bf hasn’t had much of an appetite recently and he’s lost about 10 pounds without trying. He also gets this recurrent stomach pain after eating. He’s newly diagnosed and currently on watch & wait. No other symptoms besides generalized fatigue.

[Name-1]

Mee too.

[Kvb-texas]

Hi Karmacrepe- I believe these are pretty common symptoms. I too lost 10 pounds unintentionally after I was first diagnosed. A swollen spleen could possibly explain his stomach pain… I had that as well. I also had night sweats during the weight loss period. Fatigue is also a very typical symptom. If he’s getting close to treatment, there are several options that can get him feeling close to normal. After finishing my treatment, I feel as good as I felt before my diagnosis. I wish him well. Stay encouraged… there are great treatments available.

[musiker in reply to Kvb-texas]

I second Kvb-texas' comment. Experienced the same symptoms. Now in my third year on Acabr. All good now.

[karmacrepe in reply to Kvb-texas]

Is the weight loss an indicator that treatment is needed soon?

[Kvb-texas]

I don’t know if weight loss alone is an indicator. I think his specialist will look at a lot of different things to determine if the condition is accelerating or becoming more aggressive. A PET scan can reveal if he has lymph node or spleen issues. In most cases it is a slow moving disease that doesn’t need treatment until it really starts accelerating. And, even if it does accelerate… there is a lot of hope in many highly effective treatments. So, encourage him. There is a lot to be hopeful about. I wish both of you well. He is lucky to have your support. Kvb-Texas