conditions.

[Lon1934]

I have been on Imbruvica for several months. Oncologist seems pleased with the labs. In addition to Waldenstrom’s I also have RA and wonder if my lack of energy with fatigue is do to one of these conditions.

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

Fatigue is one of the B symptoms of CLL. Many doctors don't recognize it as being significant, but patients will tell you that is can be overwhelming. I don't know how Waldenstrom's or RA play into the fatigue issue.

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

I know a bit more about CLL, but understand that Waldenstroms is similar but creates excess IGM that is ineffective but occupies bone marrow much as our aberrant CLL cells.

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We are told by our expert doctors, that CLL causes inflammation, and creates excess cytokines, similar to fatigue/ body ache reactions from the flu or common cold. Our cancer eventually upsets the delicate balances in our immune system and creates all kinds of havoc appearing in different ways. RA is common among CLL patients, as are skin inflammations, and other immune diseases, as well as fatigue symptoms.

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For some of us (like me) treatment with the targeted therapies like Ibrutinib, relieves fatigue, and for others it causes fatigue.

My world class CLL expert- Dr. Furman, says "We just don't know"

Len

[StayConnected]

Don’t know if this helps but I’ve had RA for about 15 yrs, well controlled with meds, and I never associated fatigue with it.

Although I’m 67 and probably slowing down, I attribute my current fatigue to CLL (2 yrs into w&w).