Working while on Chlorambucil/Leukeran

[ObiYan]

Working while taking Chlorambucil (Leukeran)?

Just started oral chemo with the above medicine after CLL reappeared after an 8 year remission.

Anybody out there on that chemo med? Are you able to function normally and work?

Thanks

ObiYan

[devonrr]

Can I ask what gave you 8 years remission?

[ObiYan in reply to devonrr]

I followed a six month chemo treatment called FCR here in Australia. It stands for Fludarabine/Cychlomosphamide/Rituximab.

It was given via infusions at the rate of four consecutive days a month for six months.

Went into full remission but was told he would come back years later.

It took eight years.

[devonrr in reply to ObiYan]

Absolutely super. 8 years, I would be pleased with that. I too in the U.K. had FCR for 5 months. It was stopped because of me being in remission at the end of cycle 2. The further months I was told was to search out any lymphocytes that were hiding. Pesky little things😀

You give me hope for a good remission, I’m just coming up to 2 years. Can’t help you with your question. Sorry.

Best wishes

[ObiYan in reply to devonrr]

Best of luck

[Joffre1 in reply to ObiYan]

Hi ObiYan

I am an Aussie also.

My oncol on the Gold Coast still talks FCR when the time comes.

I note ibrutinib will be subsidised from 1 August. Can I ask if you had a choice would you still choose FCR ? Or the later.

My concern is I am nearly past my use by date eg 73. 🤣But still fit with only minor symptoms eg fatigue.and rising ALC now 73 last count.

Regards

Joffre

[ObiYan in reply to Joffre1]

G’Day Mate, I’m on the Sunny Coast, a few hours north from you.

I did FCR at the Wesley in Brissie and was in remission for 8 years until just recently when the lymphs and WCC shot through the roof.

I had since changed oncologists coz driving down to Brissie was too far. The new one on the sunny coast said no to FCR a second time. Instead, I was put on Imbruvica (Ibrutinib) pills and if it doesn’t work BR (Bendamustine/Retuximab) infusions.

Seeing the specialist after 3 months of treatment, sometime in September to assess the situation.

No side effects btw and yes, the pills are subsidized (39 bucks per bottle I think)

Be well and hang in there. Believe it or not, they tell me we’re lucky with CLL (fair dinkum!)

ObiYan

[Joffre1 in reply to ObiYan]

Hi obiyan

Thnks for thr reply.

But how did U handle FCR.? Compared to imbrucia.

Nice weather eh.25c in winter.

Keep well.

Regards🤕

[ObiYan in reply to Joffre1]

G’day Mate,

The protocol of FCR chemo infusions was done on an outpatient basis at the rate of 4 consecutive days a month for 6 months.

The only side effect was that my stomach didn’t digest very well. So I stayed away from heavy eating for the entire duration as I learned the hard way.

I did not lose my hair and blood parameters showed improvement every month. Like I said earlier, I was declared in remission with all blood levels nominal after 6 months and remained so for 8 years.

Taking Imbruvica so far has been a non event. It’s cheap and easy to take in pill format. Whether it works is another story and it simply is too early to tell.

So stay tuned and keep enjoying the glorious whale watching weather.

ObiYan