Newbie to SLL

[Gildford]

I have just been diagnosed with SLL. Met first time yesterday with Hemotoligist and he said to W&W. Still trying to digest what is happening. Have swollen glands in my neck and tire easily. Don’t understand why no treatment? Are swollen glands are to be tolerated. Any info appreciated.

Don

[JR1964]

Don, welcome. I know the diagnosis of CLL can be upsetting and hard to take. We pretty much all go through this. It is an adjustment. Try to relax and get the stress down has that adds to it all. As for the swollen lymph nodes that is part of the game we play. Eating a well balanced diet and exercise should help. And believe it or not exercising can counter the fatigue you are experiencing. Many have testified to this. But my best advice to you is to keep being Don. I would not let this eat me up from the inside out. There are treatments out there that are working wonders and many more to come. You may even be one that never needs treatment. So best wishes and stay positive. STAY STRONG AND REMEMBER THAT A CURE IS COMING SOONER THAN LATER J.R

[Indolent]

Don,

I too was diagnosed with SLL. The diagnosis was made just over a year ago and it was initially prompted by swollen inguinal lymph nodes. The cytogenetic and FISH testing confirmed it as a indolent variety. My W&W has been a combination of worry and education.

The best advice I can give you is to take care of your general health and adopt good eating, sleeping, and exercise habits. Also, take some time to educate yourself about the disease. This site is an excellent place to start. The key is to understand what the disease does and how it is treated through its course. This will make you a better advocate for your own care.

Next, make sure you locate and see a CLL specialist for a second opinion. Your local hematologist may be an effective caregiver, but a CLL specialist will give you the latest and broadest range of treatment options. And studies show that those who consult with CLL specialists actually fare better.

Finally, get on with your life. You will have to manage through some of the symptoms. But don't let the disease own you.

All the best,

Dave

[Spacee]

Welcome to the party, Gildford! Some of us are in watch and wait and some are getting treatments. You will learn a lot from the posts. And the Search CLL Support Association link up at the top, right side.

Diet and exercise totally important as the others have said.

Linda

[Lola69]

Hi Don!! I had swollen glands and was treated after 4 months on watch and wait. The largest node was on left side of neck and was giving me sinusites , blocked ears and headaches. This was 2014. I am presently on imbruvica and that shrank my nodes very fast. I too have SLL!

[Gildford]

Thanks to all!

I was a manager for 32 years and took pride in solving problems on my own . I now realize I am in a situation and must rely on others. Thank God for this site and the people on it. The support of others in the same environment means more than I can express. I have many questions and know where to get the answers.

Thanks again

Don

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi Gildford,

Here is a pinned post that talks about watch & wait vs. immediate treatment.

healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

And on that page, look at the box labeled "Related Posts" (upper right column on computer screens- way below on mobile devices) you will find several other discussions on watch & wait etc.

Len

[Hoffy]

CLL society web site can help.

Get a second opinion before treatment,

Hoffy