Recently diagnosed SLL and wonder about brain involvement?

[Marie-54]

I have just been diagnosed with SLL - Stage lll and will start chemo in October. Apparently I have had it for years without knowing as bloodwork was, and still is normal. Scans have been done of neck and torso, and nodes are present everywhere as expected in a Stage lll. My question.....I find myself saying words incorrectly a lot lately, and my husband tells me I am using the wrong word. Even when I repeat the correct word, it still comes out to his ear as a close but completely different word. Not the word I am trying to say (and yes I do understand both words and their appropriate use). Is this something that I should bring to the doctor's attention? Should I have my head scanned to to see if there is something going on in there?

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero]

Hi Marie

This is something you should discuss with your GP as soon as possible. While CLL can cross the blood-brain barrier, your case is different, since your blood is normal...

Something unrelated to SLL is likely occuring in my view... and you likely will need a neurological work up, which will probably involve an MRI.

~chris

[Marie-54 in reply to Cllcanada]

Thanks Chris

[maggiesgrandmom]

Oh my gosh, I would go to the ER right away Marie. You could be having something totally unrelated. If there is an occlusion in a blood vessel to your brain, immediate attention is necessary. Sorry if I am scaring you but you need to go!

God bless,

Janice

[Marie-54 in reply to maggiesgrandmom]

It does not happen that often, and seems to resolve itself when not tired, so I will be wait until my appointment with the doctor later in the week. Thanks for the concern.

[maggiesgrandmom]

Let's us know what happens please!

[Marie-54 in reply to maggiesgrandmom]

I will but am not too concerned. I normally have trouble with slurred or confused words when I am tired. Residual effects from a stroke I had at 25 (Eclampsia related). Of course with SLL, fatigue is one of the issues, so it most likely is related to that old injury. I do not have any issues at all when I get some good sleep and feel rested. I will still have it monitored though.

[maggiesgrandmom]

Oh, okay. Well that makes sense. I do think that the CLL does seem to exacerbate previous problems. But that is just an observation. Good luck at your appt.