Worried mum

[Lexi1205]

Hi I am fairly new hear and haven’t posted before. But I have read many posts and been really greatful to be amongst people who get it.

My daughter has been unwell and has low platelets. I have been told that CLL can be “slightly “ hereditary- and to be honest even the thought of my child going through this terrifies me. I plan to ask the oncologist at next visit for more info.

I was diagnosed in my mid/late 30s after being unwell for quite some time and had FCR 5 years ago. Symptoms slowly returning

I’m adopted, so no family medical history. What do you think about increased risk for family members? Any info??

[AussieNeil Administrator]

Hi Lexi,

About 10% of CLL is familial, so your daughter is at a slightly higher risk of having CLL or indeed another blood condition. Don't forget that only half her genes came from you and that CLL is a rare condition. By all means discuss this with your oncologist and ask your daughter to mention your CLL diagnosis to her doctor/specialist as it may help her specialist.

Neil

[Quarry]

AS Neil says, there is a small hereditary component. But two things to remember:

First, getting CLL in the first place is rare, so a small increase in chance of getting CLL is...... still rare

Second, if the worst does happen, your daughter is younger than you...and CLL treatments are evolving very rapidly. So it will be unrecognisably better (from a good place already) by the time she would need treatment

[Lexi1205 in reply to Quarry]

Thanks AussieNeil and Quarry.

I absolutely agree that it would be super, super rare - and my head says it’s all good, she’ll be fine.

BUT until they go back up, I can’t seem to turn the fear off.

I really needed to tell someone who would understand an irrational fear, and have some common sense thrown at it!

Thanks guys I do feel a bit better 😀