Career change?

[Rachat35]

Hello all. I am 4 yrs diagnosed, stage 1 w&w. 54 yrs old, diagnosed with a routine cbc. I am not symptomatic except for fatigue and chronic congestion. I am still working, veterinary technician for 31 yrs. My concern is my compromised immunity and handling animals at this time. I recently became aware of a woman who died due to blood infection from a nip from her puppy. There was also a case of a man who also contracted bacteria from his dog's saliva and had both legs amputated. I am usually very careful, but this is worrying me. Is it time to pursue another career/job? It is my passion and I wouldn't have given it another thought up to now. Any thoughts?

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

The unpredictability of CLL is one of the more difficult factors in living with this illness. We do know that we are immune compromised at diagnosis, but how that worsens and at what rate remain uncertain. Given you are 'young' and still have many years ahead of you enjoying your career, your zoonosis related concerns are understandable, particularly given current treatments tend to worsen our immunity. Finding a solution to that challenge is indeed one of the unmet needs of which CLL researchers are well aware.

I expect your carefulness extends to wearing protective clothing as much as possible and having in place the means to be able to immeditately clean and sterilise any wounds, but given the unpredictability of animals, there's only so much you can do. Have you looked into opportunities where you can have a less hands on role in animal care, but still retain that passion for your work? One of life's blessings is enjoying your work - it would be sad to lose the ability to work in a field which you enjoy so much.

Neil

[Tommays56]

Hi Ra

I am in a similar position with my Grandson being the most dangerous thing i encounter and i do some really dirty work , it's hard to say exactly how comprised my immunity is other than not as good as before

All of these recent stories our bizarre things happened to "Healthy People " and i don't think it's possible or necessary to Isolate yourself completely to avoid the unexplained

[Quarry]

Your job is your passion!! Don't lose sight of that, as I fear you are in a minority! You only live once, so keep doing what you love!

There are always stories around specific cases (Dr Google is full of them) and it is easy to get frightened by these. But I am sure if you take suitable precautions (which I am sure you do), you will be fine.

[Rachat35 in reply to Quarry]

Yes, I know the stories are out there. It is quite daunting which can be disturbing. I have always been the strong and healthy workhorse, but not the case anymore. Tough pill to swallow, but I have to accept it. I don't let this condition haunt me but I do know it's presence. Thanks for your support.

[Quarry]

Look back over the 4 years since you were diagnosed! You are still here (!), not only keeping, but enjoying, your a job you are passionate about....AND...... even better, it looks like the CLL has not progressed. This might go on for 10s of years (there are many in this forum like that).

Since my dx 5.5 years ago, I have found a way of putting CLL at the back of my mind. Over time I have found it easier to live with: if it is not becoming easier for you, try finding good people to talk with (is there a Maggies Centre near you?). Live for the next days / then months / then years and enjoy what life brings!

[AnneHill]

Hi, For years I was blissfully unaware that my immnity was compromised by cll. It was so low when diagnosed that I was told to come back once a year. 9 yrs passed by before I needed chemo and was told to avoid infection. It was only in the last 3 yrs that I have had repeated urine infections and 18mths ago began introvenus immunaglobulin. I live a normal life but avoid anyone with infection. You will know from your experience what risk of infection you have had in the past. Your consultant can tell from your blood tests if you have low immunaglobulin. I am lucky that my casual attitude regarding immunity hasnt caused me problems but my quality of life is ruined by fatigue and I wouldnt want cll to dominate my life if I felt well.

[Flabal]

Hi Rachat35

I know exactly how you feel. Recently I wanted to visit friends in Brazil 🇧🇷 (where I’m from) and I was completely freaked out with all the diseases I could come back home with.

I remember praying the night before I flew asking god to protect me as only god could protect me from mosquitos. 😂

Also in the airplane someone kept coughing. I cannot express how scared I was....

My point is... I went and I had a great time and a month later I’m fine.

I think m you should be more mindful of infections or dog bites as cat scratches but don’t change career. Enjoy life because as they say YOLO.