Treatment Options

[Robinnordhoff]

Soon my husband will need to start treatment for his CLL. What are the various treatments available and what are side effects. What can I do to support him.

[Newdawn Administrator]

Hi there and welcome with your first post. I'm sorry to hear your husband is now needing treatment but with so little information, there's a limit to the specific advice I can give you. Are you anticipating chemo which is the usual first line treatment in the U.K. especially for 'younger' (as in under 65) CLL'ers who are deemed to be medically fit enough to tolerate it. This link may help to explain the different options. I'm not sure which country you're from which could influence the options but hope this helps a little;




cancer.org/cancer/chronic-l...




In terms of support, just be there for him and be guided by his needs. He will need to be very careful in terms of what he's eating during treatment if he becomes neutropenic. Others will advise on side effects as I'm as yet untreated. Importantly, look after yourself too and get support for yourself as this can be emotionally hard on all involved. Best wishes that all goes well and his treatment is very successful.




If you are giving more personal information or that is an actual name, it would be wise to restrict your post to the community.

Regards,

Newdawn

[scarletnoir in reply to Newdawn]

Thanks, Newdawn - that is as clear a summary as I've seen... written in a way that anyone can understand, not too technical.

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero in reply to scarletnoir]

Just be aware that some of the treatments listed on this page are no longer used in CLL, although they are listed by the NCCN.

Particularly, PCR, Campath, CVP, RCHOP, fludarabine single agent