CCL

[jp88]

My mother-in-law is 88 and has just been diagnosed with CCL-she has a range of symptoms-night sweats,breathlessness,weight loss. We are seeing the consultant next week to discuss treatment etc.

I wonder if she could cope physically if they offer chemo?

[Newdawn Administrator]

I’m sorry to hear this jp but she does now sounds symptomatic so may need some form of treatment fairly soon. Don’t worry, the Consultant will take into account not just her age but other co-morbidities (existing health conditions) and her general fitness. There will also be consideration of her genetic profile in terms of chemo suitability but there’s every likelihood FCR may be considered too strong for her. In this case, other options and gentler variations will be considered.

‘Patients who might not be able to tolerate the side effects of strong chemotherapy (chemo) are often treated with chlorambucil alone or with a monoclonal antibody like rituximab (Rituxan) or obinutuzumab (Gazyva). Other options include ibrutinib (Imbruvica), rituximab alone, or a corticosteroid like prednisone.’

I’m not sure which country you are from which could affect option availability but hopefully she will be seeing a haematologist skilled in dealing with CLL particularly in people of a more advanced age. I wish her well if she does indeed require treatment. It’s a shame to get to this age and require any kind of treatment to be honest but it sounds like it’s affecting the quality of her life now.

Best wishes,

Newdawn

[jp88 in reply to Newdawn]

Thank you for your prompt reply newdawn. We live in the UK.

Thank you for such comprehensive information.I do think that the family are thinking along the lines you mentioned.

It is tough but mum-in-law is remaining upbeat because that's just her!

I feel now that I can support her grown-up children if need be.

Thank you again.